The Supreme Court Thursday refused to block Indiana University’s requirement that students be vaccinated in order to attend classes this fall. It was the first legal challenge of a vaccine mandate to come before the nation’s highest court.
Eight students of the university had asked the court for an emergency order blocking the requirement. They argued that the risks associated with the vaccine outweighed potential benefits to taking it for people in their age group.
It should be noted that most medical experts say there are no known long-term side effects linked to any of three approved COVID vaccines.
Because she oversees that section of the nation, the challenge was directed to Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who ultimately denied the request. No other justices offered any noted dissents.
This ruling follows last month’s decision by a federal judge that the university had a right to pursue what the court called “a reasonable and due process of vaccination” for students and faculty.
The judge added that students had other options, such as online classes, take a semester off or going to another school. The court of Appeals in Chicago also agreed.
The latest surveys indicate more than 670 U.S. colleges and universities require students to be vaccinated.
