Clementi Parents: No Harsh Punishment

The parents of Tyler Clementi, the Rutgers University student who killed himself after two classmates reportedly used a webcam to watch him in an intimate encounter with another man, say they don’t want the classmates to receive “harsh punishment,” but they do want the case prosecuted, according to their lawyer.

“We feel it is important to establish accountability and to further establish that Tyler was subject to criminal acts, not merely a college prank as some may argue,” Paul Mainardi, the lawyer representing Jane and Joseph Clementi (pictured), told The Star-Ledgerof Newark, N.J., for a story published Tuesday.

Tyler Clementi, 18, committed suicide six months ago today by jumping off the George Washington Bridge between New York and New Jersey after learning that his roommate and another student had viewed the encounter. The roommate, Dharun Ravi, and classmate Molly Wei have each been charged with two counts of invasion of privacy. The students, both freshmen, withdrew from New Brunswick, N.J.–based Rutgers shortly after their arrests.

Prosecutors said the investigation into the incident is continuing, but Mainardi said it is “substantially completed” and that his clients want the case resolved soon.

Jane and Joseph Clementi also issued a statement of gratitude for the support they have received and saying they are setting up a foundation in Tyler’s name to raise awareness of bullying and privacy issues. “We would like to help make something positive from Tyler’s tragedy and ours,” they said.