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City Council Discussing Resolution Honoring Pvt. Danny Chen Of Chinatown

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- City Council will discuss a resolution in honor of an American solider who was bullied to death.

Pvt. Danny Chen of Chinatown committed suicide in Afghanistan in October. The 19-year-old was found dead in a guard tower in in what Army officials said was "an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound."

Elizabeth OuYang of the Organization of Chinese Americans, has said fellow soldiers called Chen "Jackie Chen" and said he was dragged across the floor and had stones thrown at him, among other things.

Chen's diaries and Facebook comments also indicated he underwent physical and emotional abuse by some his fellow soldiers.

Resolution 11-88 calls upon the United States Department of Defense to closely examine its policies around cultural diversity and sensitivity. It also proposes more effective and comprehensive training.

In December, the Army announced it was charging eight soldiers in connection with Chen's death.

According to the Army, the soldiers charged are 1st Lt. Daniel J. Schwartz, Staff Sgt. Blaine G. Dugas, Staff Sgt. Andrew J. Van Bockel, Sgt. Adam M. Holcomb, Sgt. Jeffrey T. Hurst, Spc. Thomas P. Curtis, Spc. Ryan J. Offutt and Sgt. Travis F. Carden.

On Monday, an investigative hearing recommended that one of the soldiers accused of bullying Chen, Spc. Ryan Offutt, be court-martialed on charges including assault, negligent homicide, and reckless endangerment.

The Army said the most serious charge against Offutt of involuntary manslaughter was dismissed.

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