Save: The Katie Meyer Story

 ⚠️ Content Warning: This article discusses suicide and loss. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for immediate support.

February 23, 2026

Robert Kent, Author and President, Kent Strategic Advisors, LLC 

Tom O'Connor, Publisher

I recently watched the documentary "Save: The Katie Meyer Story," and it made me both incredibly sad and truly angry! It also made me think about the work I have been blessed to do over the last two decades and the power of those affected to drive policy change. While Katie's story does not involve addiction, she died by suicide because of the egregious actions of Stanford University. The outcome of her story resonated with me, as it relates to our collective efforts to turn tragedy into advocacy to change harmful policies.

I encourage you to watch the documentary to understand what happened and to see how her parents turned pain into purpose and action!

Katie was a star soccer goalkeeper and two-time captain who was facing a disciplinary hearing from Stanford for an incident involving a teammate's alleged sexual assault. Katie's death was a tragic event that prompted her family to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the university, claiming a lack of support during a disciplinary process. 

In January 2026, the lawsuit was settled, and as part of that agreement, the university committed to improving student support systems for students facing disciplinary action.

I am sad that an incredible 22-year-old died by suicide because of the stress of a blatantly unfair student conduct process at Stanford University. 

Unhappy that her parents, Gina and Steve, suffered this loss and will live with it for the rest of their days. Angry that adults allowed this to happen. Angry that Stanford University, as a private institution, is not subject to the laws and rules put into place to protect us! It reminds me of health insurers that are not subject to state laws because they are protected by federal law.

I also felt incredibly proud of her parents as they fought to make things better for other Katies and their parents! Gina and Steve's advocacy reminded me of the parents and family members whom I have worked with to make things better for those who are mistreated because they use drugs and have faced addiction. 

While Katie's family sued to compel Stanford to assist students, they also worked to pass legislation to reform the student disciplinary process in California. Their work follows a similar theme and approach to ours. 

*You may also like to read Chris Coulter's post

Parents, family members, and those in recovery helped us address political indifference and the evil intentions of insurers and pharmaceutical companies, and together we made changes. Insurers could no longer block the front door of the treatment program, and pharmaceutical companies paid for their deliberate and targeted efforts to addict America!

Legislation in Katie's name became the law in California in 2024. "Katie Meyer's Law," which requires colleges to give students access to an advisor to help them navigate the disciplinary process. Of course, it did not apply to Stanford as a private institution. However, the lawsuit filed by Gina and Steve against Stanford University was recently settled, and Stanford is required to adopt the principles of Katie Meyer's Law and provide support to its students.

As you watch Katie's story, please think about her and her family, and about what Gina and Steve accomplished. As adults, they cared about protecting their children and their daughter's legacy. Katie Meyer's family designed a website in honor of their daughter. Please visit their website at https://katiessave.org/her-story/.

Shame on the "adults" at Stanford University! Blessings to Gina and Steve!

Never forget the power that you have to make a difference!

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Robert Kent, Esq, President, Kent Strategic Advisors, LLC, can be reached at https://www.kentstrategicadvisors.com/. He can also be reached at (518) 669-8596 and (571) 546-1680

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