What Can Schools Do About Suicide?

A recent story published in the University of Georgia student newspaper The Red and Black claims the university placed a student on interim suspension after she attempted suicide. The action, according to the article, made the "situation worse by creating further isolation, depression and anxiety." Is there a better way to deal with cries for help from members of a school population?

We talk about options for colleges with attorney Scott Schneider and Victor Schwartz, Medical Director for the Jed Foundation, an organization dedicated to preventing suicide among college and university students.

If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The University of Georgia released the following statement in response to the article:

"At UGA we care about our students and provide a wealth of resources to assist them in being successful at the University. Students who report concerns ranging from anxiety to suicidal ideation, without demonstrating threatening behavior, are referred to a variety of support services on campus. Off-campus referrals are made as needed and/or when requested. In cases when a student demonstrates behavior that poses an imminent threat of harm to self and/or others, the Behavioral Assessment and Response Council (BARC), in keeping with its mission, will assess the level of potential harm and determine the appropriate response based upon balancing the individual needs of the student with the shared needs of the campus community. In cases when BARC determines a student is exhibiting behavior that directly threatens the student and/or others, BARC may issue an Interim Suspension, removing the student from campus until BARC determines that the threatening behavior no longer exists. BARC is chaired by the Dean of Students and comprised of senior leadership from Legal Affairs, Student Affairs, University Police, and other campus representatives on a case-by-case basis. UGA continually assesses the range and type of services we provide in order to better meet the changing needs of our student body."