Federal Judge Upholds Indiana University Mandate That Students Must Get Vaccinated
A federal judge upheld Indiana University's new policy that will require all students to be vaccinated for COVID-19 before returning to campus for the fall semester.
The ruling comes after eight IU students filed a lawsuit, claiming that the school's vaccine mandate was unconstitutional and violated the 14th Amendment. They argued that since the Food and Drug Administration has only approved the vaccine for emergency use, it should not grouped with the current vaccines required from the university.
"What we have here is the government forcing you to do something that you strenuously object to and have your body invaded in the process," said the lawyer, James Bopp Jr., according to The New York Times.
On Sunday, the judge on the case, Damon Leichty wrote in a 101-page ruling, "Recognizing the students' significant liberty to refuse unwanted medical treatment, the Fourteenth Amendment permits Indiana University to pursue a reasonable and due process of vaccination in the legitimate interest of public health for its students, faculty, and staff."
Indiana responded to the ruling in a statement to CNN, "A ruling from the federal court has affirmed Indiana University's COVID-19 vaccination plan designed for the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff. We appreciate the quick and thorough ruling which allows us to focus on a full and safe return. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our campuses for the fall semester." The University does allow exemptions for religious, ethical, and medical reasons.
James Bopp first filed the lawsuit in June following the University's announcement that students who did not meet the vaccine requirement will "see their class registration cancelled, CrimsonCard access terminated, access to IU systems (Canvas, email, etc.) terminated, and will not be allowed to participate in any on campus activity." James now says he plans to appeal.
"Today's ruling does not end the students' fight," he said in a statement. "We plan to immediately appeal the judge's decision. In addition, we plan on asking the judge to put a hold on IU's Mandate pending that appeal. We are confident the court of appeals will agree that the Mandate should be put on hold."
Indiana University is not the only school to mandate the vaccine for on-campus students this fall. Hundreds of schools have also made a similar decision. You can see the full list here.
Follow Carolyn on Instagram.
You Might Also Like
