Bloomington, Indiana – Indiana students in multiple occasions tried to block the vaccine mandate during the last month and a half, but all their hopes seem to be over after Justice Barrett made a swift decision to uphold the mandate few days ago.
Indiana University was among the first universities across the country to announce the vaccine mandate early July and majority of students immediately tried to block their plan.
The case regarding Indiana University’s vaccine mandate was reviewed by Justice Amy Coney Barrett and was never referred to the full court. She then decided in IU’s favor allowing them to require all students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated if they want to attend their classes.
Students have mixed feelings about the vaccine mandate.
“I really did not want to do it because there is not enough that has been looked into,” said Autumn Leonard who was touring the campus with her aunt on Friday.
She said that she got the vaccine only because the university required her to do so.
Her aunt also remains unsure if the requirement is on place since many people have different reasons not to get vaccinated. She supports the initial university’s idea that vaccinated people will keep everyone safe, but believes everyone should be given a choice.
“I’m not surprised but it’s also frustrating that we don’t get to make our own decision about that. But also I’m not one of those people that is not going to jeopardize people because of my own fear,” Elless said.
Another student also said she got the shot only because of the mandate. This is what Talia Pagan said:
“I literally only got it because of school,” she said. The sophomore business management major feels like it should have been her choice. “I understand the circumstances but I just feel like you shouldn’t force anyone to get.”
Meanwhile, some other students believe this was the right decision. Jessica Albatarsach and her sister, Lara, are both fully vaccinated. They say they would’ve gotten the vaccine no matter what but had differing opinions on the mandate.
“Personally I got the vaccine but I don’t think it’s fair to require everyone to get it because there should be a choice involved,” Jessica said.
According to them, the campus will be safer place for everyone involved in the teaching process knowing that the person sitting next to you is also vaccinated.
