Florida State University (FSU) has reversed its mandatory class attendance policy in the wake of student protests, days after a campus shooting left two people dead and six others injured, as reported by The New York Post.
The university announced Saturday night that students and faculty may attend classes remotely beginning Monday, with absences excused for those who choose not to attend at all.
The decision followed growing criticism from students and faculty over the administration’s initial directive that required in-person class attendance so soon after the incident.
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A petition calling the order “inappropriate and insensitive” quickly gained traction, gathering over 1,400 signatures.
In a statement addressed to the university community, FSU President Richard McCullough acknowledged the need for flexibility.
“We want everyone to receive the support and help they need. For some students that may mean not going back into the classroom. For others, the idea of community and gathering, as well as the opportunity to focus on academics, may be beneficial. There is no single right answer for everyone.”
Certain classes, including labs and other in-person coursework, will still be held on campus, but students will be allowed to request incomplete grades if they are unable to continue with their current coursework.
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The original policy sparked backlash after students were asked to return to the scene of the shooting just days after the violence occurred.
The petition criticizing the university’s decision referenced a campus-wide snow day that had shut down operations for a week, arguing that similar accommodations should be made for students who had experienced a life-threatening event.
“It is not okay to be asking students, who just experienced such a traumatic moment, to return right back to where it happened so soon. This will cause extreme distress and likely panic attacks for many, which we already saw that it did with FSU’s inconsiderate organizing of item pick-up being held in the very place where the shooting took place, the day after it happened.”
The incident occurred Thursday afternoon near the university’s student union building.
The alleged gunman, identified as 20-year-old student Phoenix Ikner, reportedly opened fire using his stepmother’s former service weapon. Authorities say Ikner is the stepson of a Leon County sheriff’s deputy.
Law enforcement responded quickly to the scene and shot Ikner, who was later taken into custody and hospitalized. He is expected to survive. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the attack.
The two victims killed in the shooting were identified as Robert Morales, 57, and Tiru Chabba, 45 — both employees of Aramark food services. Six others sustained injuries.
FSU officials say additional support and counseling services are available to students and staff in the aftermath of the shooting.
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