Florida State University (FSU) will resume in-person classes on Monday, April 21, following the deadly shooting that shocked the student community last week.
In a statement signed by the president of the institution, Richard McCullough, several extraordinary measures are outlined aimed at facilitating the end of the semester, providing flexibility to both students and teachers in light of the emotional impact of the tragic event.
“We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone. We have been working on several complex and challenging issues over the past few days. We appreciate your patience,” McCullough stated.
Among the decisions made by the administration is the suspension of all mandatory attendance policies.
Students who choose not to attend classes this week will not need formal justification, and their absences will be considered excused. Additionally, they can contact their instructors directly to find out how to complete any pending assignments or, if they prefer, request an incomplete grade.
"We want everyone to receive the support and help they need. For some students, this might mean not returning to the classrooms. For others, the idea of community and connection, along with the opportunity to focus on their studies, can be beneficial," added the president.
FSU reported that many classes will offer remote teaching options, except for those that, due to their practical nature, such as laboratories, must be conducted in person. Instructors will inform their students of the specific modalities this coming Monday.
For their part, the teachers will receive additional instructions via email and will need to update their materials, grades, and communication platforms as soon as possible.
The university also made available the Student Support and Transitions Department for those who need additional assistance.
What happened at FSU?
On April 17, Florida State University (FSU) activated its emergency protocol after a shooting was reported in the Student Union building on the main campus in Tallahassee.
The alert, issued at 12:40 p.m., urged students and staff to take shelter immediately, while tactical units and helicopters from law enforcement were deployed in the area. Amid the chaos, all classes, academic events, and sports activities planned for that day were canceled.
Hours after the incident, President of the United States, Donald Trump, expressed his sorrow during a joint conference at the White House with the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni.
Trump described the event as "a disgrace" and "a terrible thing", stating that he was fully informed about the situation. Meanwhile, Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his support for the university community on social media and confirmed that state forces were actively collaborating with the investigations.
On April 18, the identity of one of the fatalities was revealed: Roberto Morales, a Cuban-American resident of Miami-Dade and an employee of the FSU campus.
Morales, who was also the founder of the Cuban restaurant Gordos Cuban Cuisine in Tallahassee, was widely known in the local community. His passing was confirmed by his family on social media, generating a wave of solidarity and mourning among Cuban-American communities in Florida.
The next day, the authorities confirmed the identity of the second fatality, Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old man, husband, and father of two, residing in Greenville, South Carolina.
U.S. authorities revealed the identity of the suspect responsible for the shooting. He has been identified as Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old student at the university and the son of a deputy sheriff from Leon County.
On April 19, thousands of people gathered at Langford Green at the university to participate in a unity vigil in memory of those who have passed away. The heartfelt event included candles, flowers, and messages of solace.
The president of FSU, Richard McCullough, delivered a speech in which he deeply regretted the tragedy and assured the academic community that psychological support would be available.
The university announced the resumption of classes for the following Monday, acknowledging that it would not be a normal week due to the proximity of final exams and the emotional impact of the incident.
Frequently asked questions about the shooting at Florida State University
What measures has Florida State University taken following the shooting?
Florida State University has implemented extraordinary measures to support students and faculty following the shooting, including the suspension of mandatory attendance policies, allowing students to miss classes without formal justification, and offering remote teaching options for most classes.
Who were the victims of the shooting at Florida State University?
The fatalities were Roberto Morales, a Cuban-American resident of Miami-Dade, and Tiru Chabba, a 45-year-old man from Greenville, South Carolina. Both were employees of the Florida State University campus.
Who is the suspect in the shooting at Florida State University?
The suspect in the shooting is Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old student at Florida State University and the son of a Leon County Sheriff's Office assistant. He was arrested and remains hospitalized under custody.
What did the president of Florida State University say about the incident?
The president of Florida State University, Richard McCullough, deeply lamented the tragedy and assured that the academic community will have psychological support. In addition, he announced the resumption of classes for the Monday following the incident, acknowledging that it will not be a normal week due to the emotional impact of the event.
How has the Florida State University community reacted following the shooting?
The Florida State University community has demonstrated strong unity and solidarity following the shooting. Thousands of people participated in a unity vigil to honor the victims and support those affected, showcasing the spirit of community and resilience of the institution.
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