Rutgers students risk losing enrollment due to COVID vaccine mandate.
Rutgers University Stands Firm on Vaccine Mandate, Threatens Disenrollment
Rutgers University students are facing a critical decision for the upcoming semester: comply with the school’s vaccine mandate or risk disenrollment. As the first university in the country to implement such a requirement in March 2021, Rutgers has remained steadfast in its stance, even as the federal government ended the pandemic emergency declaration in May and many Americans believe the pandemic is over.
“It’s baffling to see that from what should be a leading voice of science-based rationality, comes arbitrary garbage,”
– Republican New Jersey state Sen. Declan O’Scanlon
Republican New Jersey state Sen. Declan O’Scanlon expressed his frustration with the university’s policy, stating, “It’s a ludicrous policy; any benefit there might have been from the initial vaccine has long since waned in the face of continuously evolving strains.”
Former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky acknowledged in July 2021 that the vaccines do not fully prevent infection or transmission of the virus. This admission led to updated masking guidelines, raising questions about the efficacy of additional protocols.
“Requiring 3 COVID vax for college freshman is not just bad science but malpractice.”
– Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has been a vocal critic of vaccine mandates and safety. He called out Rutgers for maintaining its policy, highlighting the potential risks associated with the COVID vaccine.
Despite being one of fewer than 100 institutions of higher learning in the country with a vaccine mandate for the fall 2023 semester, Rutgers is not alone. Other notable schools, including Harvard University, Wellesley College, the Juilliard School, and Johns Hopkins University, also have similar requirements.
While Rutgers does offer an exemption option, it is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and not automatically granted. Even if an exemption is approved, students may not be guaranteed access to on-campus classes or housing.
Students who refuse to comply with the vaccine mandate are encouraged to pursue online education instead.
In January, Children’s Health Defense, a group founded by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., filed an appeal in federal court for a lawsuit against Rutgers. The initial lawsuit was dismissed in September 2022. The appeals court heard the case in late June, but it remains uncertain whether the university will enforce its mandate or go as far as disenrolling non-compliant students.
“Good job Rutgers for putting another stake in the heart of the credibility of institutions of higher education and the greater health policy community.”
- Sen. Declan O’Scanlon
Sen. O’Scanlon criticized Rutgers for its mandate, stating that it further damages the credibility of higher education institutions and the health policy community.
Rutgers University did not respond to a request for comment from the Washington Examiner.
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