Supreme Court backs college vaccine mandate

Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett on Thursday decided not to block an Indiana University mandate that requires all students and employees to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Eight students had filed the emergency request, saying the order denies their constitutional right to bodily integrity and treatment choice. Two lower courts had sided with the university. It marks the first time the Supreme Court has weighed in on vaccine mandates.

What does this mean for the students? Students and staff must get their vaccine shots before school resumes in the fall unless they receive a medical or religious exemption. Those who get the exemption must be tested biweekly. The school also announced a mandatory use of masks indoors for everyone. People who fail to comply will either have their registrations canceled or lose their jobs.

Dig deeper: Read Lauren Dunn and Esther Eaton’s report in Schooled on the school mask debate.