FSU Students Outraged Over Rapid Resumption of Classes Following Campus Shooting

Following a tragic shooting on campus that resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to six others, students at Florida State University (FSU) are speaking out against the decision to resume classes four days later. University President Richard McCullough addressed the community in a statement, acknowledging the weight of the tragedy and expressing empathy for those affected, especially the families and friends of the victims.

Robert Morales, an FSU staff member and athletic coach, and Tiru Chabba, a father of two from South Carolina. The tragic event left the university community in profound shock, leading to a vigil that brought together thousands to mourn.

In his message to the students, McCullough recognized that the upcoming week would be anything but normal, particularly as many students prepare for final exams amidst the emotional turmoil. He encouraged students to reach out for support and to discuss accommodations with their instructors or staff. Nevertheless, this decision faced backlash, particularly from faculty like history professor Paul Renfro, who implored that the campus should take more time to mourn and not rush back to normalcy.

Students who experienced the shooting firsthand expressed difficulty in returning to academic life in the same environment where fear and chaos unfolded just days prior. For example, junior Madelynn Duggar articulated her struggle with focusing on her studies given the proximity of her classes to the shooting site, while another student, Elizabeth Palmer, shared the trauma of witnessing the aftermath of the violence. This heartbreaking situation speaks to the broader impact of school shootings, with this incident marking the sixth occurrence in 2025 alone, as reported by Education Week. The Independent has reached out to FSU for further comments on the situation.