A federal judge upheld Monday that Indiana University can require its students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
As reported by the New York Times, a lawyer representing eight students argued that the vaccine requirement violates bodily integrity, and that the vaccines only have emergency use authorization from the FDA.
“What we have here is the government forcing you to do something that you strenuously object to and have your body invaded in the process,” James Bopp Jr., the lawyer, said
Bopp filed the lawsuit in June, shortly after the university announced that students must receive the vaccine before coming to campus in the fall.
Per the university, students who don’t comply would have their registration canceled and would be prohibited from attending campus activities.
On Monday, Judge Damon R. Leichty of the U.S. District Court for Northern Indiana said that while he understands the refusal for unwarranted medical treatment, the decision must take into consideration the greater good of the state.
“The Fourteenth Amendment permits Indiana University to pursue a reasonable and due process of vaccination in the legitimate interest of public health for its students, faculty and staff,” the ruling said.
