By Cristi McKee

TALLAHASSEE, Fla — On Friday, September 18, 2020, John Thrasher, President of Florida State University, published an urgent call to action from university students via a letter addressing student noncompliance of COVID-19 guidelines. This letter comes after images and photos of large gatherings of FSU students began circulating on social media and concerns regarding spread of the virus were voiced by the Tallahassee community.

“Noncompliance with the expectations outlined in our Fall 2020 plan will not be tolerated,” Thrasher stated. “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.”

Beginning today, students who do not follow these guidelines will be required to leave the university facility they are in, and may face further disciplinary action.”These behaviors are hindering our ability to continue the in-person experience this fall and the traditions we all cherish,” Thrasher explained.

“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.”

He extended his gratitude toward students who have been following the university’s safety guidelines, saying, “If you are already doing your part, thank you for taking your obligations seriously.”

Thrasher ended his letter with a call to action: “Please uphold the Garnet and Gold and do the right thing.”

Read the entire letter online, here.