U of M Board of Regents to require immunization for students

Pending the full approval of a COVID-19 vaccine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the University of Minnesota will begin requiring the vaccine for all of its students, systemwide. The decision was endorsed by the Board of Regents during a special meeting Friday afternoon.

The news was met with mixed reactions by students.

"Delivering the best and safest possible educational experience in every aspect of our mission is the Board’s top priority," Board Chairman Ken Powell said. "Along with [U of M] President [Joan] Gabel and her leadership team, the Board has carefully considered expert advice and guidance as the public health environment around our five campuses has shifted, sometimes day-to-day, over the past 20 months. Looking at what is happening currently, and what appears to be on the horizon with the rise of new variants and case counts nationwide, the Board supported the vaccine mandate for our students to provide the best possible chance for safe, in-person and uninterrupted University experiences this fall."

"I think it’s reasonable to have exemptions," Steve Sviggum, a U of M regent, said.

Once the FDA grants approval of the COVID-19 vaccine, all incoming and current students will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The U of M will allow medical and religious exemptions to this mandate.

"I think it’s a great step," U of M freshman Shrihari Waghani said.

Megan Gnospelius, a junior at the university, said, "I’m just trying to get back to somewhat of a normal semester."

Additional details regarding the university’s vaccine requirements, including specific timing, how to report vaccinations and exemptions, and consequences for non-compliance are being finalized and will be announced once completed.

"This is to close the gap to ensure that the delta variant and other variants that may be coming do not interfere with our strong desire to have the most robust fall semester we possibly can," Gabel said.

In addition, the board also discussed the university’s approach to vaccinations for faculty and staff. Although shared governance consultations and conversations are ongoing, including meetings with labor partners to collectively bargain the impacts of attestation, university leadership shared a plan under which all faculty and staff would be asked to attest to their vaccination status.

Faculty and staff would be asked to report that they are vaccinated and agree to get tested if exposed to a positive case, or they are experiencing symptoms, and to allow all quarantine or isolation guidance provided by medical professionals. Additionally, those who attest that they are unvaccinated would be required to commit to COVID-19 testing on a regular schedule to be determined.

Regent James Farnsworth said, "I believe it is essential we do everything we can as an institution to ensure a healthy, safe and robust in-person experience for students this fall."

U of M sophomore Auburn, who didn’t want 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS to use her last name, said: "I disagree to a certain extent. I think that the vaccine is a choice that you have to make if you’re going to get it or not, I think it should be freedom of choice, just because to force everyone to have to do something is, personally, I think it’s a little immoral because we can’t force people to do things, this is America, it’s freedom."

To student Collin Clay, it doesn’t seem unreasonable. "I remember my parents having to bring vaccine cards for me to go to elementary schools, and so I don’t think it’s too audacious to require people to have vaccinations to be involved in an education system like this," he said.

Gnospelius added, "It makes me a lot more comfortable knowing that my peers will be vaccinated and that extra level of comfort, versus if there was not a mandate."

Watch the full meeting below.