Bullying doesn’t stop after high school—so why do the conversations?

NCCU community mourns sophomore Zyarre Prince as conversations about bullying, cyberbullying, and mental health in college resurface.

This week, communities at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) are grieving the unexpected loss of sophomore Zyarre Prince. The HBCU’s chancellor, Karrie G. Dixon, announced in a message to the university on Sunday that Prince passed on Saturday, March 28. 

“It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of Mr. Zyarre Prince, a sophomore student majoring in criminal justice,” Dixon wrote to the NCCU community. “A native of Maryland, Zyarre will be remembered as a vibrant presence on campus whose passion for fashion and self-expression left a lasting impression on all who encountered him. He represented his class with authenticity and style, having served as Mister Freshman for the 2024-2025 academic year.” 

“Most recently, he ran a commendable campaign for Mister Junior, during which his unique and fashion-forward formal wear was greatly admired. His poise, confidence, engaging personality, and genuine desire to be involved enriched our campus community, and his spirit will be deeply missed,” the statement continued. 

Though the chancellor’s statement did not mention Prince’s cause of death, ABC 11 reports that the sophomore died by suicide. Students attending a candlelight vigil for Prince on campus told the news outlet that they heard he may have experienced bullying. 

“I’ve been hearing it was bullying, but you never know the true thing with people’s minds and mental health,” one student told reporters. 

As students on campus call for stronger mental health resources, conversations online are also resurfacing the dangers of cyberbullying. Too often, discussions about bullying are framed as issues affecting middle and high school students. But in an era of anonymous apps and platforms like Fizz and Sidechat, those harms don’t simply disappear once students reach college. In many ways, they evolve.

@itschiiheme I’ll always agree with banning Sidechat & Fizz! #hbcuadvice #hbcu #sidechat #fizz ♬ original sound – Chi Iheme

Research over the years has shown that bullying and cyberbullying persist on college campuses, but often with less visibility. A 2025 report examining bullying among college students found that incidents at the university level are significantly underreported compared to those in K–12 settings. Unlike high schools, where adult supervision is constant, college students are often expected to navigate interpersonal conflict on their own. And while that independence can be formative, it can also leave gaps.

As reports of student suicides and mental health struggles continue to surface nationwide, advocates say those gaps point to a need for more accessible, proactive support systems on campus.

In light of Prince’s passing, NCCU told ABC11 that it “does not condone bullying or any other forms of harassment.” 

“The university has a very accessible process for students to report abusive behavior, and uses these reports to investigate and take the appropriate actions to foster a safe and inclusive campus environment,” the statement continued. “During this difficult time, students are encouraged to seek support as needed. NCCU’s Counseling Center held open office hours from 2 p.m.-4:45 p.m. today and will do so again on Wednesday. Generally, counseling appointments can be scheduled by calling (919) 530-7646 or visiting the Student Health Building, second floor, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drop-in hours are available Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. After-hours support is available evenings, weekends, and university holidays through the same number.” 

Still, as the NCCU Student Government Association noted in a statement, moments like this extend beyond policy and protocol. They serve as a reminder of the weight our words can carry, whether spoken face-to-face or posted online.

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