At what point is a standard too high for students to uphold, and at what point is it dangerous without the right support? Two years ago, Stanford women’s soccer goalkeeper Katie Meyer died from suicide following an email that threatened to kick her out of the university for a disciplinary infraction. Since then, her parents and friends have been working around the clock to prevent similar tragedies.
Katie was charged with retaliation after she allegedly spilled coffee on a football player. He had reportedly kissed her teammate without consent.
Steve and Gina Meyer, Katie’s parents, wanted to prevent similar situations, so they began developing a law that would reduce student acute stress reactions. Assembly Bill 1575 (Irwin), Katie Meyer’s Law, provides students at California public and community colleges with an outside advisor to assist in handling administration-initiated disciplinary action.
Katie loved soccer and the Stanford soccer community. “She loved her teammates and coaches and absolutely loved being a part of that team. Period,” Gina Meyer fondly said. “If we walked with her on campus, people would yell, ‘Hey Katie! Hey Katie!’ She seemed to know everybody at this huge school.”
Katie was majoring in international relations and planned on continuing her education at Stanford Law School.
Before college, she was involved in student government at Pico Canyon Elementary School in Stevenson Ranch, California. Gina Meyer said, “We called her Mama Lion because she was a leader, a team captain, protective, and very loyal.”
Katie’s Save, an organization founded by the Meyers, has gained support for the law by raising awareness and donations. The Meyers had no prior experience with legislation but enlisted the help of Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, her staff, and community supporters. The Meyers traveled across the country to bring national attention to Katie’s story.
The law has been approved by six different groups, and all votes have been unanimous. The bill received an appropriation for a three million dollar budget from the state legislature committee.
“It’s an education that we’re happy to take on,” Steve Meyer said when asked about his experience with the legislative system. The Meyers have rewritten the bill multiple times because/to achieve what?
The final step is acquiring Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature, which would make the bill an enforceable law. The Meyers hope other states will follow suit. In the future, they want to pass federal legislation, but for now, they are excitedly awaiting Newsom’s signature.
“When we would arrive at campus and just see that big, beautiful smile on her face, it was always such a lovely moment,” Steve Meyer said.
Gina Meyer reflected on some of her favorite memories with Katie. She said on soccer trips and vacations, “We’d have that night together in the hotel, and we’d make our hot chocolate and turn on Friends or another show on Netflix.”
Katie had no history of mental illness, and she never showed any red flags. Her suicide was decided to be an acute stress reaction, and her parents believe she would take back the decision if she could.
“We talk about the birds and the bees. We talk about drinking and driving. We need to talk more about mental health,” Gina Meyer said.
“We’re putting this pain we have into a purpose, and we’re going to try to help other college students and other families avoid this,” Steve Meyer said.
If you or someone you know may need suicide prevention support, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, or by calling 800-273-8255.
