Bloomington, Indiana – Indiana University may require everyone in the university to get the Covid-19 vaccine after federal Judge rules in favor of the university on Monday.
IU students argued that the vaccine mandate violates the Fourteenth Amendment which clearly states that everyone has the rights of personal autonomy and the right to reject medical treatment. However, U.S. District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty issued a 101-page ruling denying the students’ request.
“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,” Leichty wrote in his opinion.
The vaccine mandate was announced by the IU last May. According to the announcement, every student, faculty and staff member was required to be fully vaccinated no later than August 15th or every other date later than August 1st.
Only those with medical authorization or documented religious objections would be exempted for the requirement, the IU added.
“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,” a statement from IU said. “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.”
Initially, the IU said they have the right not to accept the students back in the campus and even fire the employees that won’t get vaccinated. However, university officials later decided to slightly change the mandate after they have been criticized by Republican lawmakers.
Instead of providing a copy of the vaccination card, all the students and faculty staff and other campus employees will be obligated to sign an online statement stating they are vaccinated.
However, the attorney that is representing the students in said that students will appeal the ruling:
“Today’s ruling does not end the students’ fight — we plan to immediately appeal the judge’s decision,” Bopp Jr. said. “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.”
