Donors and 'prospective' donors exempt from Western University vaccine policy

With the new school year fast approaching, Western University has updated its vaccine policy for campus visitors.

Most visitors are required to fill out a form attesting they've received three doses of the vaccine, but there are some notable exceptions.

According to the policy, donors and prospective donors do not have to prove they've been vaxxed and boosted.

Exemptions are also granted to research participants, alumni, athletes, rideshare drivers, truck and meal delivery drivers, emergency service personnel, and those under five years of age.

Those receiving medical or legal care on campus are exempt as well, in accordance with the "ethical principle of equal access to health care or legal aid without prejudice." They are, however, required to submit to a screening of potential symptoms.

Those visiting campus to attend a varsity game are not required to abide by the policy. Attendees of concerts, convocations, and academic conferences, as well as the university's galleries and observatory, are not exempt.

Scholars, foreigners, live entertainers/performers, and interns are also included on the list of those who can only visit campus with proof they've received three shots.

Western University justified the double standards by suggesting those required to be vaccinated are more likely to have close contact with students and staff.

They did note, however, that in "emergency situations," some exceptions to the policy will be permitted.

The policy has garnered criticism from many, including True North senior journalist Andrew Lawton, who spoke at a recent rally on campus.

"This is not me doing sketch comedy," Lawton said as he began reading the policy. "Sometimes truth is comedy."

He went through the list of exemptions, receiving boos from the crowd upon the mention of donors. "It's gets even better than that," he added. "Prospective donors!"

"Here's my message to Western," Lawton said, pulling a $5 bill from his pocket. "I am thinking of giving this to you, and it's gonna take me a whole year to decide whether I give this to you."

Lawton added that he is a "vaccinated person against mandates," slamming the university for suggesting that "the science" differentiates between donors and others.