ATLANTA — Following the shooting death of 20-year-old Clark Atlanta University student, Jatonne Sterling, the university initiated Mental Health Week for students and postponed midterm exams.
Last Tuesday, Atlanta police rushed to a parking lot near the Clark Atlanta campus and found the body of Sterling.
A few days later, police arrested and charged a 25-year-old man in connection with the murder. Police said Sterling got into the car with the suspect Keontay Holliman-Peoples and the third man and got into a dispute. At some point, Atlanta police say there was an exchange of gunfire.
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“It was a very sad situation,” said student, Dinah Cobb.
“Since the recent shooting mindsets are just not where they need to be at,” Student, Xzavier Boykin told Channel 2′s Audrey Washington.
In a statement, Clark Atlanta University President George T. French, Jr., PH.D. wrote in part:
“It will be beneficial to pause our busy schedules in order to begin to heal as a community and remember why Clark Atlanta University is here. We’re here for one another to persevere and grow through difficult times.”
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University officials told Channel 2′s Audrey Washington that throughout the week students will be able to attend different wellness and counseling sessions.
“Actually I’m about to go to one today,” Boykin said. “It’s just gonna be like an open space for people to talk, relax, and things like that so I’m going to be participating.”
More security will also be on hand for any student concerned about safety.
“I think that is the right thing to do,” said Boykin.
President French said midterm examinations will be held after spring break.
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