House Passes Murphy Legislation to "Make Our Students Safer"

Press Release

House Passes Murphy Legislation to "Make Our Students Safer"

Last night the House of Representatives passed the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, H.R. 4137, which contained language authored by Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18) that will prevent future college tragedies, save lives, and provide the peace of mind every parent wants when sending their child off to college.

"Colleges should be able to, on a case-by-case basis, contact the parents of a student in trouble so parents can be involved in supporting their child through a difficult time," said S. Daniel Carter, Senior Vice President of Security on Campus. "If colleges feel this is important, federal law should not stand in the way."

One local family lost their son to suicide because the current law acted as a barrier. As the young man suffered from depression, his fraternity brothers, ex-girlfriend, and college therapist all knew he was in danger and warned the college. But a legal barrier under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, FERPA, prevented the school from notifying his parents, who could have gotten him the help he needed. Congressman Murphy's legislation tears down this legal wall, so people can get the help they need before tragedy strikes.

"Parents' biggest fear for their college students is for their safety. How tragic is it that schools can call parents if their child is hurt or killed at school but weren't allowed to call if there were worries about the student," said Congressman Murphy. "Given the choice between getting the call for the funeral or a call for help all parents want the call for help. This legislation provides this life-saving opportunity."

Each day an average of three college students commit suicide. While in college 11 percent of men and 9 percent of women consider suicide. While they may not all act on their thoughts, schools able to contact parents to get them the help they need, not only for the safety of the child but also of others on campus.

"It is very important that colleges are able to share information with parents," said Suzanne Grimes of Pennsylvania, whose son was injured during the Virginia Tech tragedy. "If there is ever a serious situation, parents need to know. We really appreciate Congressman Murphy's hard work in getting this done."

"I am pleased that Congressman Murphy has taken the lead in sponsoring legislation to clarify the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act to make our students safer. The language inserted by Congressman Murphy into the Higher Education Act will make it easier for colleges, parents, and students to work together to get students the professional mental health help they need. Penn State and other colleges and universities will be better able to protect our students from violent crime while maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of students," stated Dr. Graham Spanier, President, Penn State University.

"Congressman Murphy's professional background as a psychologist has positioned him to provide thoughtful national leadership on an issue of critical importance to students, their families, and campus communities. He obviously shares the public's concern for the health and safety of students, but he also has a clear understanding of the general need for confidentiality in the handling of sensitive medical information. Congressman Murphy's language helps strike an appropriate balance by making it easier for college and university officials to take action to protect troubled students and their classmates where there is an identified risk of suicidal, homicidal or assaultive behavior," commented University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg.

"We are grateful for Congressman Murphy's national leadership in exploring policy approaches that safeguard both the privacy and the well-being of students," said Dr. Jared Cohon, President, Carnegie Mellon University.

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