University of Glasgow May Face Criminal Prosecution in Student's Suicide
The institution is under scrutiny after a student died by suicide following incorrect information about his graduation status.
The University of Glasgow is facing the possibility of criminal prosecution in connection with the death of Ethan Scott Brown, a 23-year-old student who died by suicide on his graduation day. Brown was reportedly told he had failed a course and would not be able to graduate with his geography degree, an assertion that later proved to be erroneous.
Brown was found deceased in his bedroom on December 13, 2024, by his mother. His family has been advocating for a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the circumstances surrounding his death and had initiated civil action against the university, which has since been settled for an undisclosed sum.
According to the family's solicitor, Aamer Anwar, the Crown Counsel is expected to meet to decide on potential 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 stated. He added that the family remains resolute in their demand for a fatal accident inquiry, emphasizing, "However, the family are clear that a fatal accident inquiry must take place regardless."
Anwar conveyed the family's determination to ensure that no other student experiences similar suffering, stating, "The family will not give up until there is a legacy of Ethan Brown to ensure that no other student suffers as he did."
The family met with Education Secretary Mairi McAllan to discuss the tragedy and the university's handling of the situation. Anwar described the university's failures as "catastrophic and systemic," asserting that they extended beyond their duty of care to Ethan and affected other students over the years. The family welcomed McAllan's apology for a prior statement by her predecessor that had suggested Ethan's case was an isolated incident.
McAllan has pledged to investigate the assurances provided by the university to the government and has agreed to ask the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), which is also investigating the institution, to meet with the family. The government has also been asked to examine the extent of the problem across all Scottish universities.
The University of Glasgow has issued a statement expressing profound sorrow for Ethan's death and acknowledging the deep distress it has caused his family. The university reiterated its sincere apology and deepest sympathies. Following an internal review of assessment regulations, the university self-referred to the Scottish Funding Council. A subsequent targeted peer review by the QAA resulted in recommendations for action, all of which the university has accepted and is in the process of implementing.
Support is available for those in distress. The Samaritans can be contacted confidentially on 116 123 or via their website at samaritans.org.