Student leaders, local officials ask community to take pledge in battle against COVID-19

The student government associations of Florida State University, Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Community College have partnered with local leaders to encourage students and community members to sign a pledge to protect the health and safety of the Tallahassee community.

With the return of thousands of college students to Tallahassee, the pledge initiative aims to remind students, local residents and business owners to work together in promoting a safer environment for everyone by practicing healthy habits to stop the spread of the virus. The #PledgeTLH COVID-19 Safety Pledge is accessible at pledgetlh.fsu.edu.

“It is imperative that we as students come together to ensure that we are united for our institution and for the Tallahassee community,” said Jonathan Levin, FSU Student Body President. “Regulations have been established, processes have been explained, and it is up to us to be responsible and accountable for our actions moving forward. It has been a blessing and a privilege to return to Tallahassee and walk around our campus. However, for this blessing to once again become a daily part of our FSU experience, we must take the necessary precautions to fight COVID-19.”

“We all know that college is the best four years of our lives, but safety has to be our number one priority through these difficult times,” said Xavier McClinton, FAMU Student Body President. “We all must do our part to help protect the FAMULY and the Tallahassee community from the spread of COVID-19 because these tough times won’t last forever and the best way to push through this is together.”

TCC Student Body President Micah Mitchell added: “Be mindful of your health, as you determine the health of your community.”

The City of Tallahassee, Leon County and Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce are supporting the student-led effort.

“I commend the student leaders at FSU, FAMU and TCC for their leadership in this campaign,” said Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey. “I have taken the pledge because we each have a role to play in slowing the spread of the virus and keeping our campuses and our community safe.”

Individuals signing the pledge agree to follow public health guidelines, such as gathering only in small groups, proper social distancing, wearing masks or face coverings and washing their hands frequently. Signees also commit to keeping the Tallahassee community in good health and recognizing their actions play a direct role in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Sign the pledge at pledgetlh.fsu.edu and share on social media with the hashtag #PledgeTLH.