Teaneck, NJ, October 4, 2010 … The Anti-Defamation League's (ADL) New Jersey Regional Office called for greater awareness of cyberbullying and Internet safety in the wake of the tragic death of Tyler Clementi, the Rutgers student who committed suicide after a video of his sexual encounter with another man was put on the Internet. 

Etzion Neuer, New Jersey Regional Director, issued the following statement:

The Anti-Defamation League is deeply saddened by the terrible circumstances surrounding the death of Tyler Clementi.  ADL strongly supports the investigation by the Middlesex County Prosecutors' Office to determine if the perpetrators targeted Clementi because of his perceived sexual orientation.  If so, a prosecution on hate crimes charges could be part of a strong and effective outreach and education effort to deter future such bullying.  

This case is a reminder of the critical need for education on cyberbullying and Internet safety. It also highlights how the destructive impact of cyberbullying extends beyond the high school years and into college.  We must do more to educate students on the real-world consequences of such behavior.

In August 2010 the League submitted a host of policy and programming recommendations to the US Department of Education for the Federal Bullying Summit.

ADL is at the forefront in responding to bias, bullying and cyberbullying through a combination of education and legislative advocacy. More information can be found at www.adl.org/cyberbullying.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.