Federal judge rules in favour of COVID vaccine in Indiana university

A federal judge in the United States affirmed a university’s decision to demand COVID-19 vaccinations for its students and workers on Monday, the first verdict on an increasingly controversial subject ahead of the new school year.

The South Bend court’s ruling, which is about 75 miles (120 kilometres) east of Chicago, can still be challenged all the way at the Supreme Court.

The judge declined to suspend new health regulations set by Indiana University in preparation for the restarting of classes between August 1 and 15 in a complaint brought by eight students.

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COVID-19 immunisation is required for the school’s 90,000 pupils and 40,000 workers, although religious and medical exemptions are allowed.

The US Constitution allows students to refuse “unwanted medical treatment based on bodily autonomy,” Leichty wrote.

But it also “permits Indiana University to pursue a reasonable and due process of vaccination in the legitimate interest of public health,” he continued in his 100-page ruling.

Six of the eight litigants have religious exemptions, but they refuse to wear face masks or follow social distancing, according to him.

Some cited religious motivations or a fear of discrimination, while others referred to the legislation as a cultural assault.

The judge noted that they had all agreed to comply with such health precautions in other situations in recent months.

In recent weeks, the vaccine effort in the United States, which had made significant headway against the pandemic, has come to a halt.

Around 68% of people have received at least one dosage, however there are significant regional differences.

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Opposition to the vaccination is strongly linked to the country’s political division, with right-wing antagonism being particularly strong, notably among followers of former President Donald Trump.

Several conservative organisations, including Turning Point, a student movement, have begun a campaign opposing forced vaccination on college campuses and are supporting litigation around the country.

Universities have adopted a variety of stances, with 500 mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for their students or employees.