When Students Commit Suicide

College is an incredibly stressful environment. Sadly, many young people are unable to handle the pressure. Some breakdown, some withdraw and a small number tragically kill themselves. Unfortunately, both educators and parents are approaching the problem in the wrong way. The only way to prevent student suicide is to dramatically change the culture of higher education.

Whenever a student takes their own life, there is an intense debate about the liability of a college or university. Many parents argue that faculty and staff should be held accountable for being negligent. Colleges and universities contend that strict privacy laws stymie aggressive responses to students in crisis. Two high profile lawsuits have resulted in verdicts that favor institutions of higher education. While many universities have pledged to hire more counseling staff, the real solution can be found in the classroom.

Many students are rightly dismayed about the ultra-competitive environment in academia. By forcing students to constantly stress about grades and post-graduation plans, colleges contribute to the angst of students. The cutthroat environment within many universities can have a devastating impact on the psyche. Colleges and universities should seek to encourage a more collaborative approach to education. Students shouldn’t be forced to constantly compete. Instead, why not design programs that foster cooperation?

In addition to the stress of classes, many students are struggling with the financial burden of college. Tuition prices continue to skyrocket and other expenses force students to constantly worry about the bottom line. Many young people find it necessary to get multiple low-wage jobs to make ends meet. The combination of constantly worrying about money and classes is a major source of stress for students. Colleges should work to make education more affordable. Lowering the cost of college will significantly lower student anxiety.

Parents and educators should also blame our current political leadership for the problem of student suicide. President Bush and his Republican allies in Congress have threatened to cut all federal funding from a suicide-prevention hotline that has fielded over 2 million calls. According to 1-800-HOPELINE, suicide is the third leading cause of death for people between the ages of 18-24. It is simply outrageous that the federal government is threatening to cut off funding for this vital program.

In addition to cutting off funding, the Bush Administration has also tried to inject politics into the work of the hotline. Religious conservatives have worked to eliminate any counseling that specifically deals with gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered issues. Republicans are playing politics with the lives of teenagers in crises. Straight or gay, all young people deserve support from their government during troubling times. It is contemptible to willfully target a group of people who are at risk.

The tragedy of student suicide always brings out strong emotions. It is understandable that grief-stricken parents search for someone to blame. However, neither parents nor educators should simply focus on the crises right before a young person takes their own life. Instead, they should consider the environmental factors that can lead to depression and anxiety. Unless the culture of college is changed, there will always be a problem with student suicide.