TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Tuesday, Florida State President John Thrasher shared a clear message with students: Follow COVID-19 guidelines or face the consequences.
Around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, the university published a message from Thrasher on its website. In that message, he wrote that he was "deeply concerned with this sheer defiance to comply with the university’s guidelines and expectations."
Thrasher cited the recent arrest of seven students for allowing underage individuals to drink at their home during an "open house party." He said those students will be held accountable by law enforcement and face disciplinary actions by the university.
"Let me be perfectly clear: We will not tolerate any behavior that puts the health and safety of the campus or the Tallahassee community at risk," Thrasher wrote in the message. "Consequences may include disciplinary probation, administrative action or suspension."
The president also made it clear that the university was working with FSU Police to enforce the policies and said that "updated guidance with regard to gatherings will be forthcoming."
Whether on or off campus, the expectation for FSU students is the same, according to Thrasher. Students are expected to wear face coverings, follow social distancing guidelines, avoid gathering in large groups, and stay home if they're sick or have been exposed to COVID-19.
"We have seen college campuses across the country revert to remote learning within days of opening after outbreaks of COVID-19 were linked to parties and other non-sanctioned activities," Thrasher wrote. "Our goal is to remain open, and we have the opportunity to rise to the challenge. We are counting on you to take personal responsibility and make the right choices."
To read the full message from Thrasher, click here.
