Students and staff at Ohio State University can now request an exemption from the university’s vaccine mandate. The deadline to try to do so is later this month. The university states that alongside medical reasons, “an exemption supported an individual’s religious beliefs or practices, or personal reasons are often requested.” Those who qualify for exemption are going to be required to wear a mask indoors, and take a weekly COVID test. Meanwhile, students on campus are weighing in on the matter.
“That’s honestly fair, I desire they ought to be getting tested weekly. It makes obvious, requiring them to wear masks is important if they’re not vaccinated,” said Usman Khan, a junior at Ohio State University. “I think it’s also good to be ready to opt-out if you’ve got to, but I feel it’s strongly encouraging to urge the vaccine,” Ella Reynolds, a high school senior.
Reynolds and her father are touring OSU and say while they’re in favor of everyone getting vaccinated, they understand why some won’t be willing. “I think it’s good for people, if they need a truly good reason, maybe from a spiritual standpoint or even an allergy that they will opt-out,” said David Reynolds, Ella’s father. But others disagree.
“We’re around one another in crowds, whether that be like at games, or simply within the library, or in classes. And for things to be normal I feel that’s quite necessary,” said Sydney Green, a junior at Ohio State University. According to the university, there are around 68,000 students and 45,000 employees total, on all OSU campuses including the center . So far, a minimum of 77% of them is either partially or fully vaccinated.
