Tyler Clementi Foundation Selects Sean Kosofsky as New Executive Director
The Tyler Clementi Foundation (TCF) has named Sean M. Kosofsky as its first full-time Executive Director.
TCF was formed in 2012 to honour the memory of gay Rutgers University student Tyler Clementi, who tragically took his life in 2010 after being targeted for his sexuality by his roommate. This move by TCF continues the organisation’s growth strategy to have a greater national impact in curtailing bullying.
“We are very excited to have someone with Sean’s experience, skills and passion to our organisation,” said Jane Clementi, the mother of Tyler Clementi. “Our organisation has tremendous goodwill around the country that we build on with Sean at the helm. We also want to thank our departing executive director, Steven Guy for the early infrastructure and leadership he provided us as a startup.”
Through educational partnerships, research, public dialogues and awareness programs, TCF fosters empathetic, constructive discussions of respect and dignity for youth and families, at all levels of society. TCF encourages individuals to be “upstanders” not bystanders, when they witness bullying, harassment or humiliation. Individuals can sign a pledge at www.tylerclementi.org
Kosofsky’s background includes 12 years as the Policy Director for Michigan’s Triangle Foundation (now Equality Michigan) where he helped build public support for the eventual passage of the state’s anti-bullying law “Matt’s Safe Schools Law.” He served as co-chair for the campaign to stop North Carolina’s anti-marriage equality ballot measure in 2012. He has led several state and national organizations working on a broad range of social justice issues including voting access, women’s reproductive health and generally helping organizations grow their capacity. For more on his bio, visit here.
“I am honoured to partner with the Clementi family and the Tyler Clementi Foundation in leading this valuable organisation,” said Kosofsky. “Bullying, harassment and humiliation destroy the human spirit and people’s lives. When the world lost Tyler Clementi, his family didn’t retreat. They dedicated their lives to telling their story and working to prevent the suffering and marginalisation of others. I am very excited to work with them on that journey and together we plan to expand the impact of the organisation in the coming years.”
Based in New York City, TCF’s mission is to promote safe, inclusive and respectful social environments in homes, schools, campuses, churches and the digital world for vulnerable youth, LGBT youth and their allies. We envision a world that embraces all members of society with human dignity and unconditional love regardless of sexual orientation or differences, real or perceived.
Tyler Clementi Foundation is at @TylersSpace and www.facebook.com/TheTylerClementiFoundation