The tragic death of Ethan Brown, a Geography student at the University of Glasgow, has ignited a fierce debate over academic accountability and student wellbeing at one of Scotland's most prestigious universities. On December 13, 2024—the very day he was meant to don his cap and gown—Ethan took his own life at home, believing he had failed to achieve the Honours degree he had worked so hard for. The truth, uncovered only after relentless advocacy from his family, was far more devastating: a grading error by the university meant Ethan should have graduated with a 2:1 Honours degree.
According to STV News, Ethan was informed in September 2024 that he had not been awarded a grade for one of his courses, rendering him ineligible for Honours. This notification, which turned out to be based on a mistake, shattered the dreams of a young man described by his mother, Tracy Scott, as "a kind, caring young man who was very much loved." At a press conference in Glasgow, she spoke through tears: "Ethan left this world believing he had failed, and the University of Glasgow were correct. The truth is, Ethan had successfully attained a 2:1 honours degree, despite the university repeatedly informing him he had been unsuccessful. They failed him, not only academically, but also to support him."
The error was not an isolated oversight by a single individual. The internal investigation, as reported by BBC Scotland, revealed that the misgrading slipped past not only university staff but also two internal exam boards and one external exam board. It was only after Tracy Scott demanded answers that the university admitted the mistake. The family’s solicitor, Aamer Anwar, emphasized the gravity of the situation: "When the family sought answers from the university, an internal investigation produced a report confirming that Ethan was awarded the wrong grade for that course due to an error by the university. Ethan would, in fact, have graduated with a 2:1 Honours degree. This failure was not identified by any University of Glasgow staff, nor was it picked up by two internal exam boards, and one external exam board."
The Brown family’s anguish is compounded by what they describe as a "systemic failure" at the university. Tracy Scott pointedly asked at the press conference, "How many other university students have been wrongly failed?" Their concern is not just academic; it’s deeply personal. Ethan had disclosed mental health struggles to the university, but according to his family, "no support was offered. No follow-up contact was made with Ethan." This lack of engagement, they believe, contributed to his sense of hopelessness.
The University of Glasgow has publicly acknowledged its role in the tragedy. In a statement shared with The Times, the university admitted: "Ethan Brown was a final-year undergraduate student in the BSc Geography programme who was due to complete his degree in summer 2024. The university wrongly informed him that he did not have the necessary credits to graduate. Tragically, Ethan took his own life on December 13, 2024, following which his family contacted the university seeking information about his studies. Upon investigation, the university identified the error and commissioned an internal report by a recently retired senior professor into the circumstances; this was shared with Ethan’s family on its completion."
The university further conceded that a "tragic error had been made in calculating Ethan’s degree outcome" and that "this error should have been picked up during the exam board process." The statement also acknowledged shortcomings in communication with Ethan, specifically noting that "he was not referred to Student Support Services when he disclosed wellbeing concerns." In response, the university has conducted a "thorough review of our academic and well-being policies and practices" and revised training for staff involved in exam boards. "We continue to look for ways to further strengthen our quality assurance processes and our support for students. We are profoundly sorry that this terrible event occurred and understand the deep distress it has caused Ethan’s family," the university said.
Despite these assurances, the Brown family and their legal representatives remain skeptical. At the press conference, Aamer Anwar questioned the university's claim that the error was isolated: "The family, therefore, ask how many other hundreds or thousands of students at the university have been wrongly failed. They also ask whether this systemic failure would ever have been identified had Ethan not died?" The family is now considering all legal options, seeking justice not only for Ethan but for all students who might be vulnerable to similar institutional failures.
The tragedy has resonated beyond the university, prompting a response from Scotland’s Education Secretary, Jenny Gilruth. She expressed her condolences, stating, "I cannot begin to imagine the impact this tragedy has had on Ethan Brown’s family and friends. On behalf of everyone in the Scottish Government, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to them on their loss." Gilruth also emphasized the need for systemic change: "It will be important for all our institutions and the SFC to consider any measures they might take to prevent a similar situation arising again in future."
Student mental health and university duty of care have been thrust into the spotlight by Ethan’s story. The family’s calls for greater accountability reflect a broader concern within higher education: are universities truly equipped to support students under pressure, especially those facing personal or academic difficulties? According to The Guardian, Ethan’s family wants to know what steps the Scottish Government will take to ensure that universities comply with their duty of care for students.
For now, the University of Glasgow has offered to meet with the Brown family again, with the principal indicating a willingness to discuss the university’s actions and express further sympathies. But for Tracy Scott and her family, the pain is raw and the questions linger. "We seek justice for Ethan in the hope that other students and their families do not have to experience the pain that myself and my family will have to live with forever," she said.
As the university community, policymakers, and families across Scotland reflect on Ethan Brown’s story, the need for robust academic safeguards and compassionate student support has rarely felt more urgent. For those struggling with mental health, help is available: Samaritans can be contacted at 116 123, and additional support is provided by Scottish Action for Mental Health.
Ethan’s legacy, marked by his family’s determination and the outpouring of public sympathy, may yet spur meaningful change in how universities care for their students—ensuring no one else is left to bear such a burden alone.
