JERSEY CITY — Hudson Pride Connections Center and New Jersey City University (NJCU) will host a Candle Light Vigil at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 7 on the steps of The Guarini Library, Main Plaza, in response to the death of Rutgers student Tyler Clementi, according to NJ.com.
Newly-appointed Jersey City Councilman Ray Velazquez Jr., the city’s first openly gay council member, is scheduled to attend the event. “We need to come together to keep all of our youth safe,” Velazquez said in a press release.
Clementi committed suicide by jumping off the George Washington Bridge after a sexual contact he had with another man was live-streamed on the Internet by two fellow students, who are now facing prosecution.
University officials, faculty, staff students, community organizations and youth from HPCC’s LGBT youth program will attend to highlight the importance of civility, tolerance and respect on and off campus, according to a press release from HPCC officials.
Nancy Caamaño, executive director of Hudson Pride Connections Center, said in the release, “This month alone, five young people have taken their lives after enduring taunts and humiliation regarding their sexual orientation. This must serve as a wake-up call to everyone that teenage bullying and teasing is an epidemic throughout the United States.”
For directions to the vigil, visit www.njcu.edu.