Florida State University leadership initially announced that classes and business operations would resume on Monday, April 21, following a campus shooting incident. However, after students expressed confusion and anger, the university changed course. President Richard McCullough stated in a video that the school would be flexible and accommodating for those who were not ready to return to campus. Later, an email was sent to students offering new options, including excused absences with no justification required and remote options for some classes.
Many students expressed feeling unsafe returning to campus, citing damage left by SWAT officers and fears of another incident. One student, Madelynn Duggar, mentioned having difficulty focusing in the same places where she had sheltered during the shooting. Another student, Elizabeth Palmer, spoke about the difficulty of walking past the scene of the shooting daily and the trauma associated with it.
The gunman, Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old FSU student, is currently hospitalized and in custody. Students are struggling with uncertainty and stress, unsure of how to proceed with final exams and coping with the aftermath of the tragic event. Senior Jack Campi expressed disbelief at having to return to campus so soon after the shooting, highlighting the emotional impact on the university community. Students are grappling with the fact that their sense of safety and home has been shattered by the violent incident.
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