UNLV students ‘outraged’ classes not canceled after shooting

Dozens of UNLV students expressed widespread disappointment on social media Monday after learning that the campus would be open and class would be in session following the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.

Samantha Bivins, chairwoman of the health and safety committee for student government, said students are “outraged” classes were not canceled, adding that some students attended class while others did not.

A gunman killed 58 and wounded more than 500 Sunday night when he opened fire on the Route 91 country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip.

UNLV student Fabian Donate questioned the university’s decision on Twitter, comparing it to the university’s participation in the third presidential debate in October 2016.

Tell me why UNLV can stop classes for a week during the Presidential Debate but they can’t even blink once for the worst mass shooting in US history? https://t.co/fDfZNTh0Ry

— Fabian Donate (@fabiandonate) October 2, 2017

At the time, all classes were canceled in the Classroom Building Complex, and the university also advised faculty not to hold classes on other parts of the main campus.

While the university is open for normal business today, UNLV spokesman Francis McCabe said faculty have the discretion to cancel individual classes.

He said Provost Diane Chase asked faculty to be “flexible and understanding” to anyone affected by the shooting.

“Some people find comfort in having dialogue with colleagues and classmates to be able to come to terms with the tragedy,” McCabe said.

Nevada State College and the College of Southern Nevada also remained open on Monday.

Contact Natalie Bruzda at nbruzda@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3897. Follow @NatalieBruzda on Twitter.