Indiana università Reverses Vaccination Requirement to Attend in Fall

Indiana University has backtracked on its coronavirus vaccine requirements for students and faculty for the upcoming school year.

While the university had previously stated it was requiring students and faculty to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to attend school in the fall, the university announced Tuesday it will now only require people to "certify their status as part of a simple attestation form" rather than upload proof of vaccination.

The form to certify vaccination status will be available ahead of schedule beginning Wednesday. Additionally, a form requesting vaccination exemption for those applying for medical or religious reasons will also become available Wednesday.

The easing of requirements comes after backlash over the previous policy and the rule that unvaccinated students or faculty would not be allowed at the school.

"Feedback from students, parents, faculty and staff, as well as conversations with legislative leaders, led to adjustments in the vaccine verification and exemption process," the school said in the announcement.

Despite no longer being required to upload proof of vaccination, "special incentives will be offered to those opting to upload documentation."

"Requiring the COVID-19 vaccine for IU students, faculty and staff with appropriate exemptions continues the university's comprehensive science and public health-driven approach to managing and mitigating the pandemic on our campuses," university President Michael McRobbie said. "Throughout the pandemic our paramount concern has been ensuring the health and safety of the IU community. This requirement will make a 'return to normal' a reality for the fall semester."

As a result of the university's vaccine requirement, it will no longer require masks in most situations or social distancing in classes or recreational and extracurricular activities. Masks will be optional for those who are fully vaccinated. Those who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear a mask on campus, the university advised.