TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Classes will resume at Florida State University on Monday. It is the first time students have returned to classrooms since last week’s fatal mass shootings on campus.
Police said Thursday that Phoenix Echner fired fire at the school’s student union, where two people were killed and six others were injured in the shooting.
Some students said they could not imagine returning to class a few days after the attack.
“I think it’s like a slap in the face,” the student said.
“I don’t want to go back,” another student said.
Ian Townsend of Lakeland said he has two classes with a suspicious shooter while attending Tallahassee State University.
“I just got up from complete shock right away, put my hands on my head and it didn’t seem like there was a right way,” Townsend said. “I just look back and if I had said anything that could have caused him, he could have done something to our class before.
He and the other students are now facing a return to class.
FSU President Richard McCollough said the university has waived all mandatory attendance policies this week, saying grades will not be affected and remote options will be available for most coursework.
Presentations will be made the week before the end of the semester exam. The FSU leader has not made a statement on whether to coordinate the finals.
Many members of the university can’t imagine being in campus classrooms again this school year.
“I don’t know how long it will take, but I don’t think I’m ready to go back to class. How can I go to class after that? I have to go back to the same class the following Monday,” the student said.
FSU provides support services to students, faculty and staff.
Students in need of mental health support should contact the Counseling and Psychological Services team at (850) 644-Talk (8255). The Victim Advocacy Program provides free, confidential and caring support to FSU students. 24/7 (850) 644-7161, text (850) 756-4320 or email victim advocate@fsu.edu. Employees in need of assistance should contact EAP at (850) 644-2288 for free professional counseling services.
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