Family of student who took his own life after graduation error says university 'will be held to account'

Ethan Scott Brown, a geography student at the University of Glasgow, was due to graduate in December 2024. His family said that in September 2024, the university told him he had not been awarded a grade for one course and would therefore not be eligible to graduate with an honours degree. On 13 December 2024, the day of his graduation, he was found dead in his bedroom by his mother, Tracy Scott.

Scott collected her son's degree posthumously and has since called for a fatal accident inquiry into his death. The university said it is 'profoundly sorry' and is implementing a series of recommendations after an internal review. That review found 'systemic' errors in the way Brown's degree had been graded and confirmed that he had enough marks for a 2:1 honours degree. The review also found that although Brown had told staff he had concerns about his mental health, they had failed to offer him support.

On Tuesday, the family settled a civil court action with the university. The sum of the settlement has not been disclosed. On Wednesday, the family met the Scottish education secretary, Màiri McAllan, at St Andrew's House in Edinburgh. Speaking after the meeting, their solicitor, Aamer Anwar, said they had placed the University of Glasgow 'on notice' and that the institution 'will be held to account'.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The case highlights the serious consequences when universities fail to provide accurate academic information and adequate mental health support to students.
It raises questions about universities' duty of care and the adequacy of internal complaint and review processes.
A fatal accident inquiry could set precedents for how such tragedies are investigated and what accountability universities face.

Background

Universities in the UK have a legal duty of care to their students, including providing reasonable support for mental health. This tragedy occurred within a broader context of rising student mental health concerns and increasing scrutiny of how institutions handle both academic errors and welfare responsibilities. The University of Glasgow's internal review found systemic grading errors, but the family's pursuit of a fatal accident inquiry suggests they believe further investigation is needed to prevent similar deaths.

Key Perspectives

The Brown family and their solicitor: They seek a fatal accident inquiry and have stated the university will be held to account, indicating they believe the institution's failings contributed directly to Ethan's death. University of Glasgow: Has apologised, acknowledged systemic errors, and said it is implementing recommendations from its internal review. It has also settled the civil action. Critics and mental health advocates: May argue that the university's internal review is insufficient and that independent, statutory inquiries are necessary to ensure transparency and systemic change across higher education.

What to Watch

Whether the Scottish government agrees to a fatal accident inquiry into Ethan Scott Brown's death.
The specific recommendations the University of Glasgow implements and whether they become a model for other institutions.
Any further legal action or regulatory scrutiny from the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education or similar bodies.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Background

Key Perspectives

What to Watch

Sources