TALLAHASSEE, Fla.(WTXL) — Florida State University President John Thrasher has issued an urgent message all students about the consequences of violating COVID-19 procedures the university has established for their safety.
In a letter published on Friday, President Thrasher wrote " I am proud and appreciative of all of you who are wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing and showing respect to your fellow FSU family members, but the actions of some are jeopardizing the health and safety of our entire community. Let me be clear – these behaviors are hindering our ability to continue the in-person experience this fall and the traditions we all cherish."
President Thrasher went on to explain that violations to the university's health and safety protocols, both on and off campus, are subject to serious disciplinary action.
He also made it very clear that students who endanger the community with actions such as hosting or attending a large party or gathering will be subject to suspension.
Effective immediately, "anyone who does not follow the appropriate safety guidelines in any university facility will be required to leave that facility," Thrasher wrote.
Next week, President Thrasher will announce new policies regarding football game days.
Thrasher also went into further details about suspension from the university saying " from this point forward, for any student who tests positive and is ordered to isolate: Socializing outside of your residence, working out at the Leach Center or engaging in activities such as going to parties may result in your suspension from Florida State University for a minimum of one academic semester."
Additionally, the FSU Police Department, the Tallahassee Police Department and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office are partnering to monitor bars, restaurants and off-campus residences.
Read the full letter below.
Dear FSU Students,
I am issuing an urgent call to action, and I expect you to respond as true Seminoles so that, through shared sacrifice and by working together, we can remain unconquered by the COVID-19 pandemic and keep our campus safe.
I am proud and appreciative of all of you who are wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing and showing respect to your fellow FSU family members, but the actions of some are jeopardizing the health and safety of our entire community. Let me be clear – these behaviors are hindering our ability to continue the in-person experience this fall and the traditions we all cherish.
Noncompliance with the expectations outlined in our Fall 2020 plan will not be tolerated. We must demonstrate our commitment to each other and this great university by doing everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19. The choices you make don’t just impact you. They affect your friends, families, professors, FSU staff and the Tallahassee community at large, as well as our ability to hold in-person classes and future events and provide campus services.
I want to reiterate that violations to our health and safety protocols, both on and off campus, are subject to serious disciplinary action. Students who endanger the community with actions such as hosting or attending a large party or gathering will be subject to suspension. Moreover, from this point forward, for any student who tests positive and is ordered to isolate: Socializing outside of your residence, working out at the Leach Center or engaging in activities such as going to parties may result in your suspension from Florida State University for a minimum of one academic semester.
The FSU Police Department, the Tallahassee Police Department and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office are partnering to monitor bars, restaurants and off-campus residences where the Centers for Disease Control and university guidelines are not being followed. Please recognize that in doing so, officers are risking their personal health and safety to protect yours. They also are focusing efforts on our residence halls and Greek housing to ensure safety and compliance.
Effective immediately, anyone who does not follow the appropriate safety guidelines in any university facility will be required to leave that facility. And next week, I will announce new policies regarding football game days.
We must recommit to protecting each other and holding each other accountable. Everyone who truly values the Florida State experience should follow our health and safety protocols, which provide a path to complete the semester together on campus.
If you are already doing your part, thank you for taking your obligations seriously. If you are not, it’s past time to act responsibly. Please uphold the Garnet and Gold and do the right thing.
Sincerely,
John Thrasher
President
