Tyler Hill Died on a People to People Student Ambassador Program to Japan, June 2007.

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The U.S. Department of State is requesting public comments on proposed changes and clarifications to rules governing secondary school exchange programs. These changes would apply only to foreign students visiting this country. We believe they serve the best interests of students and host families alike. We also believe the State Department should move quickly to initiate similar and even stronger protections for U.S. students and young people participating in 'ambassador' and other similar programs abroad. Please use these links to read the proposed changes and submit your own comments by the end of the day on Wednesday, June 2, 2010.

There are many ways you can step up to support the Traveling Youth's Standards of Safety bill (TY's S.O.S.) and help ensure the safety of students traveling abroad:

Tylers Story

Tyler’s family is pursuing legislation for the Traveling Youth's Standards of Safety bill (TY'S S.O.S.) to ensure safety protocols are in place to protect children. The Hills want to share their story about Tyler’s tragedy to help protect other students and raise awareness among parents about the need for safety standards for student ambassador programs and other similar travel programs.

On June 29, 2007, while on a trip to Tokyo, Japan, Tyler Hill passed away at the Japanese Red Cross Medical Center. According to hospital officials, Tyler’s death could have been prevented had he received immediate medical attention. The family filed a lawsuit with the Hennepin County Court in Minnesota on Jan. 28, 2008.

Judge Porter's order of June 10, 2009