The second on-campus death at the University of Houston (UH) this semester has prompted students to demand changes from the administration, according to a report from Houston CBS affiliate KHOU.
UH’s Agnes Arnold Hall is the purported location where two students died by suicide in a month’s span.
A male student, identified as Tyler Medina, was the latest to be found dead at the building, which students claimed has infrastructure that poses a danger.
Another student died by suicide at the facility, which has been shuttered as the university decides its fate, in 2017.
Student Erin Smart was among those who organized a rally and vigil on Thursday to call on UH officials to take appropriate action.
"I had heard really positive things about the University of Houston, and since getting here, I've just been really embarrassed with the way the university has decided to approach and handle things like suicide happening on campus," Smart, a member of the school’s Student Solidarity group, told Houston National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate Houston Public Media (HPM).
Citing a 2016 investigation conducted by The Texas Tribune, HPM reported that UH’s mental health resources is the most undersized for an institution its size.
KHOU reported that Medina’s family attended the event, where his sisters mourned him as someone who cared about others’ happiness.
“He was 19, so we’re missing out on 50, 60 years of that special kid … but we loved him very much,” his loved ones said, per the station.
Among the key demands the students made are additional on-campus counselors and increased funding for mental health services.
They also clamored for the permanent closure and ultimate demolition of the building located at 3553 Cullen Blvd.
HPM reported that the Student Solidarity group also wants the university police department’s involvement in conducting wellness checks to cease.
KHOU reported that UH said President Dr. Renu Khator has formed a task force to address mental health resources and suicide prevention.
"This has been a very difficult time for our campus community, but we are committed to improving our existing services and strengthening our culture of care," the university said in a statement.
If you or a loved one has suicidal thoughts, please contact the 24-hour 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 9-8-8.
