"Must Get Vaccinated to Return to Campus" US Federal Court Rules in Favor of University

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] A U.S. federal court has ruled in favor of a university in a dispute between the university and students over COVID-19 vaccine mandates. This is the first case in the United States recognizing the legality of university COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

According to the Associated Press on the 19th (local time), the U.S. Federal Court for the Northern District of Indiana stated that "Indiana University may require all students, faculty, and staff on campus to receive the COVID-19 vaccine."

The court dismissed a lawsuit filed by students opposing the university's decision. Earlier, in May, Indiana University announced that "students returning to campus for the fall semester must be vaccinated against COVID-19," adding that "students who are not vaccinated will have their course registrations canceled and will be prohibited from participating in on-campus activities."

In response, eight students filed a lawsuit in June requesting an injunction, arguing that the COVID-19 vaccine mandate violates individuals' fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution and also contravenes a new Indiana state law banning vaccine passports.

The students claimed that "the COVID-19 vaccine has only received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is clearly different from the usual vaccinations typically required by schools."

However, Judge Damon Rettey, who presided over the hearing last week, ruled to dismiss the lawsuit, stating that "based on current findings, Indiana University mandated vaccination for the legitimate public health purpose."

Judge Rettey acknowledged that "students may have reservations about medical procedures that have not yet been fully proven," but emphasized that "the government's decision with a greater purpose must carry more weight." He added, "Students who refuse vaccination due to health issues or religious beliefs have the option to apply for an exemption from the university, attend classes online, take a leave of absence for the fall semester, or enroll in another school."

Indiana University stated, "Thanks to the court's ruling, we can now focus all efforts on ensuring that all students can safely return to campus this fall semester."

However, James Boff, the attorney representing the students, suggested the possibility of an appeal, saying, "The government is forcing individuals to do something they strongly oppose, and in the process, individuals' bodies are being harmed."

In the U.S., as more universities mandate vaccinations ahead of the fall semester, related controversies are growing. According to The New York Times (NYT), about 400 universities have decided to mandate vaccinations so far, and some students at these universities have filed or are preparing lawsuits.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.