University of Glasgow May Face Criminal Charges in Student Suicide Case
The institution is under scrutiny following the death of a student who took his own life after being incorrectly informed he would not graduate.
The University of Glasgow is facing potential criminal prosecution in connection with the suicide of a student who died on graduation day after being mistakenly told he had failed a crucial course. Ethan Scott Brown, 23, was found deceased in his bedroom on December 13, 2024, by his mother.
His family stated that Brown took his own life after receiving incorrect information that he would not be able to graduate with his geography degree. The family had been campaigning for a fatal accident inquiry and initiated civil action against the university, which has since been settled for an undisclosed sum.
According to the family's solicitor, Aamer Anwar, there is a possibility of criminal proceedings against the university. "We understand that the Lord Advocate is due to meet with the Crown Counsel to decide on a potential criminal prosecution of the University of Glasgow," Anwar said. He added that the family remains committed to ensuring a fatal accident inquiry takes place regardless.
The family recently met with Education Secretary Mairi McAllan to discuss the circumstances surrounding Brown's death and the university's handling of the situation. Anwar characterized the university's failures as "catastrophic and systemic," asserting that they extended beyond their duty of care to Ethan to numerous other students over time.
McAllan offered to have the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), which is investigating the university, meet with the family. The family welcomed the minister's apology for a previous statement by her predecessor that had suggested Ethan's case was an isolated incident.
Anwar also criticized the university's governance as "not fit for purpose" and indicated that the minister has pledged to investigate the university's assurances. The government has been asked to examine other Scottish universities to assess the prevalence of similar issues.
Ms. Scott, who accepted her son's degree posthumously, continues to advocate for a fatal accident inquiry into his death.
The University of Glasgow has issued a statement expressing profound sorrow for Ethan's death and acknowledging the distress caused to his family. The institution stated it is implementing recommendations following an internal investigation and a subsequent targeted peer review by the QAA. A university spokesperson said, "The university fully accepted the recommendations and is on track to implement them."
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