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The Tyler Clementi Foundation stands as a national force for kindness, inclusion, and dignity — built from a family’s profound loss and their unwavering belief that the world can, and must, do better.
Founded in 2011 by the Clementi family to honor Tyler — a son, brother, friend, and gifted young musician — the Foundation emerged in the wake of a tragedy that sparked a global conversation. In 2010, Tyler’s death drew worldwide attention to the devastating consequences of bullying, cyberbullying, and the hostile environments too often faced by LGBTQ+ youth. His story opened the nation’s eyes to issues of youth vulnerability, mental health, online harassment, school safety, and the need for stronger support systems in higher education.
Rather than letting Tyler’s legacy be defined by sorrow, his family transformed their grief into a powerful movement for change. Their vision was clear: create a world where every young person — regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or perceived difference — feels safe, supported, valued, and loved.
Today, the Tyler Clementi Foundation leads the charge to end online and offline bullying in schools, workplaces, faith communities, and homes. With a focus on research-driven solutions, national advocacy, and widespread education, the Foundation amplifies a universal message: Everyone deserves dignity and respect — and no one should ever feel alone.
At the heart of this work is #Day1, a groundbreaking program that equips leaders in schools, colleges, sports teams, community groups, and organizations with free, customizable toolkits to prevent bullying before it begins. Rooted in research and practical action, #Day1 empowers individuals and institutions to shift culture from passive bystanding to active Upstanding — where silence is replaced with support, and exclusion is replaced with inclusion.
The Foundation’s message reaches far beyond the LGBTQ+ community, resonating across identities, backgrounds, and beliefs. Their commitment to transforming bystanders into Upstanders reflects one of the most important lessons from Tyler’s story: bullying involves not just the aggressor and the target, but the silent witnesses whose voices could make all the difference.
Through academic collaborations, advocacy, public dialogues, faith-based engagement, and national campaigns, the Foundation fights to remove stigma, spark essential conversations, and provide pathways to help for those in crisis. They champion a world grounded in kindness, respect, empathy, and unconditional human dignity.
Above all, the Tyler Clementi Foundation stands as a living tribute to Tyler’s memory — a promise that no one else should ever experience the pain, shame, or isolation he endured. Their work continues with the steadfast hope that we can create a more compassionate world… one where words are used for good, where differences are embraced, and where every young person knows they matter.
The Tyler Clementi Foundation: Ending Bullying. Empowering Upstanders. Inspiring Change.
