INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.(NewsLink) -- Butler University will require COVID-19 vaccinations before returning to campus this fall.
The university said they expect the requirement to bring herd immunity to campus. President James M. Danko said herd immunity would allow the university to restore the normal campus experience. This includes dropping mask mandates, in-person classes and returning to full capacity.
“It is quite clear to me that requiring the vaccine best supports an environment that allows us to provide an educational experience that is most effective, with the highest degree of safety, and the least number of restrictions,” Danko said in a press release. “Regarding the environment outside of the classroom, I am confident that we will be able to fully restore a vibrant on-campus experience, allowing our students to return to pre-pandemic activities.”
The vaccination requirement will have some exemptions, including those for medical, religious and “strongly held personal convictions.” University officials said they would review each exemption request on a case-by-case basis. Students, faculty and staff who are granted an exemption will be required to fol
“We are encouraged by the number of people in our community who have voluntarily received the vaccine,” Brent Rockwood, vice president and chief of staff, said. “We are well on our way to establishing herd immunity on our campus, which will allow us to successfully restore the campus experience for our students, faculty, and staff, with health and safety as the top priority.”
Previously, Indiana University announced their vaccination requirement but quickly changed it after the public and government officials said the mandate was unfair. IU is still requiring the vaccine but is no longer requiring proof of vaccination. They are facing a lawsuit for the requirement.
Ball State said they are dropping the mask mandate on campus and other restrictions for vaccinated people in an email to students and staff on June 14.
There is currently no word on if the university will require proof of vaccination to be submitted to the school.
For any comments or concerns, contact the author at emharless@bsu.edu.
