EAST LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Michigan State University announced Wednesday that they will re-open the Union building to the public on Monday, April 3.
However, Berkey Hall will remain closed for the rest of the spring and fall semesters.
The decision comes after the university announced all classes in the Union and at Berkey would be moved following the tragic shooting in those two buildings on Feb. 13.
“I just don’t want this to be pushed under the rug, which I already feel like it has been,” said Sohpia Lambert, an MSU sophomore. “I live right next door, so it was a very scary experience going through, like having somebody come on campus that wasn’t supposed to be here.”
Three students lost their lives in the incident, and five more were injured. Four of the five students injured in the shooting have since been released.
Because of the Union’s importance to the community, officials decided to re-open the building, but the MSU Union Food Court will remain closed.
“The MSU Union team looks forward to welcoming those who are ready to use the space once more, knowing that for some, more time may be needed and for others, feelings might shift once on site,” said Vennie Gore, Senior Vice President for Student Life & Engagement.
The lounge areas on the first floor will be open, as well as Sparty’s mini-market store and the computer labs.
“I think it’s definitely great that they think we can come together as a whole and recover from this, and that they feel comfortable enough to open up the Union, I do wish it was closed for the rest of the semester,” said McKenzie English, an MSU freshman.
“There’s a lot of kids who can’t go back to classes yet, I personally haven’t gone back to one of my classes since the shooting.”
There will also be therapy dogs in the building to help welcome students, as well as support employees and students.
“It is ok to step away or delay returning if it doesn’t feel right to you,” Gore said.
“I think that just out of respect for the people, who not only lost their lives in there, but the people that were in there at that time, I think it might be a little bit too soon,” said Lambert.
