Indiana University backtracks on requirement for proof of COVID-19 vaccine in fall

Indiana University is backtracking on a previous requirement they had for students and faculty to provide proof of vaccination against the coronavirus to attend school in the fall. 

“As part of the accelerated exemption process, those receiving the vaccine are no longer required to upload documentation. Instead, they can certify their status as part of a simple attestation form that will be available on June 2,” the school announced Tuesday.

The decision comes after backlash from parents, students and state lawmakers about the previous policy to require proof of being fully vaccinated or else a person would not be allowed back at the school.

Attorney General Todd Rokita (R) said the school’s previous rule was in violation of state law.

“This session, members of the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation to codify in law a prohibition on COVID-19 vaccine passports, preventing public institutions from mandating proof of vaccination as a condition for receiving services or employment,” Rokita said.

“In yesterday’s opinion, the attorney general affirmed that it is legal for us to require a vaccine, including one under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). His opinion questioned specifically the manner in which we gathered proof of vaccination. Although we disagree with that portion of his opinion, we will further consider our process for verifying the requirement,” the school said last week in response to Rokita.

There will still be an exemption process for medical and religious reasons.

Along with the announcement for the change in proof of vaccination, the school said masks for fully vaccinated individuals and social distancing requirements will be gone in the fall.

“As we approach the fall semester knowing that the vast majority of our IU community will be vaccinated, we are now able to remove many of the restrictions that had been in place and return to a more typical university experience,” Aaron Carroll, a leader on IU’s Medical Response Team, said.