Tyler Clementi Institute For Internet Safety To Launch

At this event, sponsored by AT&T and in partnership with the Tyler Clementi Foundation, NYLS will launch The Tyler Clementi Institute for Internet Safety, a new initiative of the Law School’s Innovation Center for Law and Technology. Among the Institute’s programs will be the only pro bono law school clinic providing free counsel to victims of cyberharassment.

“NYLS is committed to providing cyberharassment victims with the tools they need to fight back,” said New York Law School Dean and President Anthony W. Crowell. “The Institute and its groundbreaking clinic recognise that although the Internet and other modern digital tools are essential for work, life, and play, we cannot forget about those who may be victimised. We are proud to partner with so many law firms, industry leaders, educators, and professionals as we work hard to make the Internet safe for all.”

“We are committed to honouring Tyler’s memory and preserving his legacy by launching this vital institute in his name,” said Jane and Joseph Clementi, co-founders of the Tyler Clementi Foundation. “We are proud to partner with New York Law School, AT&T, and many others to ensure that cyberharassment victims across the nation have access to the resources they need to take action and counteract it.”

Conference panelists will consider the role of industry, websites, and Internet intermediaries in creating safe digital platforms, as well as the experience of cyberharassment, legal strategies for representing victims, creating safe school environments; and advocating for effective policies to combat cyberharassment.

“It’s been five years since Tyler’s death. In that time, countless women, LGBTQ youth, and members of other marginalised groups have been victimised by hate and harassment online and still our legal system fails to take cyberabuse seriously,” said New York Law School Associate Professor Ari Waldman, Director of the Innovation Center for Law and Technology and Founder of the Institute for Internet Safety.  “I want to change that. Through its educational programs and clinic, the Institute for Internet Safety will not only create a steady stream of lawyers ready to represent victims of online harassment. It will also push the conversation and encourage parents, teachers, judges, industry leaders, and policy makers to do what they can to make the internet safe.”

“While technology and the digital age continue to improve the ways we communicate and connect with others, it also poses a risk for increased bullying and harassment online,” said Marissa Shorenstein, President of AT&T New York. “That is why we need more resources and educational tools to help prevent against cyber attacks, and AT&T is proud to partner with the Tyler Clementi Foundation and New York Law School on this initiative that brings us one step closer toward helping prevent this type of activity.”

U.S. Congresswoman Kathleen Rice (D-NY) and U.S. Congressman Mark Pocan (D-WI), lead sponsor of the Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act, will offer keynote addresses.

Scheduled speakers include Jane and Joseph Clementi, Founders, Tyler Clementi Foundation; Kathleen McGee, Chief, Internet Bureau, Office of the Attorney General of the State of New York; Elisa D’Amico, Founder, Cyber Civil Rights Legal Project at K&L Gates; Lawrence Newman, Chief, Domestic Violence Unit, Manhattan DA’s Office; Jacqueline Beauchere, Chief Online Safety Officer, Microsoft; Marissa Shorenstein, President, AT&T New York; Danielle Citron, Lois K. Macht Research Professor of Law, Maryland Law School; Frank Pasquale, Professor of Law, Maryland Law School; Ann Bartow, Professor of Law, University of New Hampshire Law School; Holly Jacobs, Founder, Cyber Civil Rights Initiative; Remington Gregg, Legislative Counsel, Human Rights Campaign;  Steven M. Freeman, Director, Legal Affairs, Anti-Defamation League; and Kate Bertash, Founder, undox.me

For more information or to register to attend, visit www.nyls.edu/innovation-center-for-law-and-technology/events/conferences/.