The family of Ethan Scott Brown, a 23-year-old University of Glasgow student who took his own life after being incorrectly informed he would not graduate, has stated that the institution “will be held to account.”
Brown, who was studying geography, was scheduled to graduate in December 2024. However, in September of that year, the university reportedly told him he had not received a grade for one course and would therefore be ineligible for an honors degree.
According to his family, this misinformation led to Brown taking his own life on December 13, 2024—the very day he was supposed to graduate. He was discovered deceased in his bedroom by his mother, Tracy Scott, that morning.
Scott, who collected her son’s degree posthumously, has called for a fatal accident inquiry to investigate his death. The university has expressed that it is “profoundly sorry” and is implementing recommendations following an internal review.
The university’s internal inquiry revealed “systemic” errors in how Brown’s degree was graded, determining that he had sufficient marks for a 2:1 honors degree. The investigation also found that despite Brown expressing concerns about his mental health to staff, no support was offered to him.
It was recently reported that the family has reached a settlement in a civil court action with the university, though the financial terms have not been disclosed.
On Wednesday, the family met with 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 that they will be held to account.”
Anwar criticized the university’s pursuit of global status, claiming it had “forgotten its soul.” He added: “Their failures were catastrophic and systemic. They failed not just in their duty of care to Ethan, but to many other students over the years.
“Today’s meeting with the minister was important and was welcomed. The minister offered to ask the QAA [Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education], who are investigating the university, to meet with the family.
“The family welcomed the apology by Ms McAllan for her predecessor’s statement in September 2025 which implied an acceptance of the university’s position that Ethan’s case was an isolated incident.”
Anwar also described the university’s governance process as “not fit for purpose.”
A University of Glasgow spokesperson stated: “The university is profoundly sorry that Ethan tragically took his own life and fully understands the deep distress this has caused his family. We repeat our sincere apology as well as our deepest sympathy.
“Following an internal investigation into assessment regulations, the university self-referred to the Scottish Funding Council.
“The Quality Assurance Agency subsequently carried out a targeted peer review, which resulted in a series of recommendations for action.
“The university fully accepted the recommendations and is on track to implement them.”
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is investigating the circumstances surrounding Brown’s death, with the family to be kept informed of any developments.