ATLANTA – The family of a Georgia Tech student who was shot and killed by campus police in 2017 has settled their lawsuit against the university for $1 million.
Scout Schultz, 21, died September 16, 2017, after a confrontation with campus police. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Schultz called 911 to report an armed person on campus and gave officers a description that matched Schultz’s appearance. When officers arrived, they said Schultz had something in his hand and refused to comply with their commands to drop it. The object turned out to be a multi-tool that contained a knife.
The officer who shot Schultz shooting was identified to be Tyler Beck. In 2020, officials announced he would not face charges, arguing that the shooting was justified.
ONE YEAR LATER, QUESTIONS REMAIN FOR FAMILY OF SCOUT SCHULTZ
At the time of their death, Schultz was an engineering student at the university and the president of its Pride Alliance.
Schultz’s death sparked demonstrations on campus with multiple arrests.
In response to the shooting, then-university president George P. “Bud” Peterson called the events a “heart-wrenching, painful time for the entire Georgia Tech community” and said the campus sent its prayers to the family.
Thursday, the attorneys for Schultz’s family said they received one of the highest settlements in the state against a university’s police force in an officer-involved shooting at $1 million.
Since the shooting, the school has also issued Tasers to all officers and now requires the competition of a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team training. The university has also expanded its LGBTQIA Resource Center to work to enhance LGBTQIA mental health and wellness initiatives.
“Georgia Tech University should be saluted for their efforts to amicably resolve this situation and the changes the university made to protect their student body. We are hopeful that the university’s example of caring effort will be replicated nationwide,” Attorney L. Chris Stewart said in a statement. “Students have let us know the LGBTQIA community is often overlooked and we hope these positive changes continue and that Scout’s life will stand for change.”
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