SOUTH BEND, Ind. — REAL News Michiana has learned the University of Notre Dame will require all Students, Faculty and Staff to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The announcement was sent via email to all university employees at 3:48pm today.
Employees are being told to submit verification of vaccination no later than August 2nd, 2021.
The statement also ignores the scientific evidence regarding masking and CDC guidance by having a much stricter mask rule than is currently being promoted by the federal government.
Below is the entire email announcement.
Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues:
As Commencement Weekend approaches, and we prepare to celebrate the many accomplishments of our graduates, we reflect once again on your tremendous commitment, resilience, and generosity over this past year. We could not be more grateful for all you have done to make this year as successful as it has been for the University and for our students.
Our top priority, of course, continues to be the health and safety of every member of our campus and local communities. We know a high rate of vaccination is critical to keeping our communities and families healthy. This led us to announce recently that we will require all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to be fully vaccinated as a condition of enrollment going forward, beginning with the 2021 summer term. In fact, student cases have dropped steadily since we opened the vaccination center on campus on April 8, from an average of 10 per day to no student cases for the past week.
After careful consideration and consultation with medical experts, we have decided to take the additional step of requiring all faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19. If you haven’t already done so, we ask that you provide verification of full vaccination no later than August 2, three weeks before the start of classes for the fall semester.
The COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in the U.S. (Pfizer/BioNtech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) have proven to be both highly effective and very safe. The FDA conducted rigorous testing before these vaccines were released and they continue to be subject to careful monitoring. As national infection rates, as well as our own experience on campus, show, they are our best tool in the fight to curtail the spread of COVID-19 and bring the pandemic to an end.
To find a convenient vaccination site in Indiana, please visit the state’s vaccine information page. Michigan residents can likewise find a vaccination site at their state’s vaccine information page. Information on how to upload your vaccination information can be found on the HERE website.
Faculty and staff may apply for an exemption from the vaccination requirement for medical, religious, or other strongly held beliefs. We will send more information next week outlining the process for requesting an exemption. Please note the University will require those who receive approved exemptions to undergo regular COVID-19 surveillance testing and continue to wear masks indoors at Notre Dame.
Masks on campus this summer
As previously announced, faculty and staff working on campus this summer are asked to continue to wear their masks indoors (unless in a private office) regardless of their vaccination status. Students will also be required to wear masks indoors, including in classrooms and non-residential buildings; given that over 90% of students are now vaccinated, masking will be optional for fully vaccinated students within the residence halls.
We are, of course, aware of the recent CDC guidance indicating that vaccinated individuals can forgo masks indoors. However, with 28% of faculty and 43% of staff who have not yet confirmed vaccination, we have, after consultation with local public health officials, determined that the wisest course of action is to keep our masking protocols in place for the time being. As higher percentages of faculty and staff are vaccinated, we will adjust these policies accordingly.
There is much cause for optimism. Current case rates on campus and in the nation are trending downward, and leading health experts are upbeat about the potential to return to normalcy. At the same time, please remember that the overall vaccination rate in St. Joseph County currently hovers at 38%, and we urge you to continue to be careful. Even as we welcome positive developments, we will move forward carefully, taking the necessary steps to safeguard the health of our community. You can expect another communication from us next week that describes our process and initial plans as we prepare for the fall semester.
We hope these days of late May bring you a chance to rest and relax in the company of your loved ones. Know of our continued prayers and very best wishes.
In Notre Dame,
Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., University President
Marie Lynn Miranda, Charles and Jill Fischer Provost
Shannon Cullinan, Executive Vice President
Requiring a mask and a vaccination to attend college shows about as much intelligence as witch burning. Notre Dame has gone to the land of the leftists. I hope that our young people avoid all collages that make these overboard requirements.