According to the Newark Star-Ledger, Dharun Ravi and Molly Wei, the two RU students involved with the web-casting of Tyler Clementi’s sexual encounter with another man, which then led to Clementi’s suicide, have both withdrawn from Rutgers without prejudice. This means that if they are not convicted of any criminal offenses, they could be reinstated as Rutgers students at a later date.
I suspect the two ex-Rutgers students may face no criminal prosecution. Wei was released from custody on her own recognizance, Ravi posted $25,000 bail. While the local prosecutor’s office has been pouring over the available evidence, there may not be enough to charge both students with hate crimes…though invasion of privacy and broadcasting without permission seem like no-brainers.
That said, if they are reinstated, they could face disciplinary charges for posting Tyler Clementi’s image on the web without his knowledge. Furthermore, they could face civil charges (i.e. be sued) for their antics.
Stay tuned….
