What has Happened Since the MSU Shooting: Updates

Since the shooting on Feb. 13 at Michigan State University, the Michigan community at large has continued to come together, providing support to the students and families of those affected. Michigan State resumed classes on Monday, Feb. 20 despite student petitions to provide online class options. Students wanted more time to grieve and regain a sense of safety within their school environment.

Michigan vs. Michigan State Basketball Game

A few days prior, on Saturday, Feb. 18, the Michigan State basketball team played their long-time rival, the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor. This was the first Spartan game since the shooting. Typically there is a tense rivalry, but both schools put their animosity aside and came together as a “Spartan Strong” community. The University of Michigan, according to their student-run Barstool UofM account, supported the Spartans with special warm-up shirts, a moment of silence, and even the U of M pep band performing the alma mater song of the Spartans. Ultimately, the Wolverines won the game 84 to 72.  However, social media and the community at large continued to lift up the Spartans during and after the game.

Michigan State University Men’s Basketball Team before game against University of Michigan on Feb. 18, 2023 at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, MI. (Photo credit: Carlos Osorio / AP)

Updates on Injured Students’ Health

On Feb. 23, Michigan State posted on their Twitter regarding the state of the five students who were injured in the shooting. Ten days after the shooting MSU reported that “1 student is in fair condition, 2 students are in serious condition, but stable, 1 student remains in critical condition, 1 student has been discharged home (previously serious).”  Various GoFundMe accounts were created to help cover the medical costs of these students and have been circulating on social media. The names of these five injured students have additionally now been released.

Safety Moving Forward on MSU

On March 1, the Office of the President at MSU released a statement regarding “Actions to improve campus safety.” They said, “creating a safer and more welcoming campus is a stated goal of Michigan State University. The injury and loss of life that occurred Feb. 13 commits us to do more and better.” Following this statement, Michigan State released various protocols that will begin to be implemented in order to have a safer campus environment.

Changes that will be implemented include having buildings locked from 6 pm to 7:30 am and only accessible with key card access. This change means doors will be locked for five hours more than they previously were. Additionally, over 1,300 classrooms on campus are intended to have locks fully installed by the start of the fall semester, and more security cameras will be added to areas not previously monitored. Lastly, Active Violent Intruder Training alert will now be required for both employees and students at MSU. These changes are considered only “the starting point” by the office.

Posthumous Degrees 

Michigan State has announced that the three students who lost their lives in the shooting will receive posthumous degrees. CBS quotes interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko: “Michigan State University is honored that Arielle Anderson, Brian Fraser, and Alexandria Verner chose to be Spartans. We will honor their legacies and recognize their commitment to Spartan values by awarding them posthumous bachelor’s degrees in their chosen fields of study this spring.”