In a symbolic step toward healing, the seat of Charles University’s Faculty of Arts in Prague partially reopened its doors to students and teachers today, precisely one month after a student’s shocking act resulted in the tragic loss of 14 lives and left 25 individuals wounded before the assailant took his own life. The event, titled “Opening of the Faculty,” aimed to facilitate a return to academic life and provide a platform for collective healing.

The faculty, which had been shrouded in silence since the December tragedy, opened a section of the elevated ground floor for a few hours. The Dean, Eva Leheckova, expressed optimism about the faculty returning to life, albeit briefly, emphasizing the significance of this step in the healing process.

Acknowledging the support received, Charles University Rector Milena Kralickova expressed gratitude to the students involved in organizing the event, the faculty management for their openness, and the wider community for their backing during this challenging time.

Classes for the upcoming summer semester are scheduled to commence on February 19 in the main building at Jan Palach Square, excluding the heavily damaged fourth floor. The damaged classrooms will be relocated to alternative buildings while extensive repairs, expected to cost several million crowns, are undertaken to address the nearly 140 doors destroyed or damaged during the December police intervention.

While the partial opening included mini-lectures, book exchanges, and musical performances, media access was restricted, respecting the recommendations of psychologists who assert that returning to the scene is a vital aspect of the healing process. Outside the faculty, a public program, including the creation of a wax sculpture and temporary mobile rooms for information and psychological assistance, was organized to involve the wider community in commemorating the tragic event.

As the academic community navigates the aftermath of this unprecedented tragedy, the partial reopening serves as a poignant symbol of resilience and the collective strength of the Charles University community on the path to recovery.

Article by Prague Forum