Federal judge sides with Indiana University in maintaining vaccine mandates

Federal Judge Damon Leichty sided with Indiana University against an injunction for their vaccine requirements for in-person school attendance, over the weekend.

He said students still had “multiple options” and it wasn’t an outright “forced vaccination” campaign. The judge’s decision sided that the greater benefit was in the public health of the school’s population over the “liberty” of those who wanted to refuse.

Indiana University celebrated the outcome per CNN: "A ruling from the federal court has affirmed Indiana University's COVID-19 vaccination plan designed for the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff," IU said. "We appreciate the quick and thorough ruling which allows us to focus on a full and safe return. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our campuses for the fall semester."

Despite CNN’s definitive assertions, the lawsuit is allowed to proceed. Local reporting from FOX says as much. The judge’s conclusion says the lawsuit needs to establish their 14th amendment claims, and the claims in relation to harm and the public interest.

Instead all CNN printed was the statement from attorney James Bopp Jr. on behalf of the plaintiffs.

"Today's ruling does not end the students' fight -- we plan to immediately appeal the judge's decision. In addition, we plan on asking the judge to put a hold on IU's Mandate pending that appeal. We are confident the court of appeals will agree that the Mandate should be put on hold."

Last month, eight students sued saying Indiana University was depriving them of “life, liberty, or property” in a way that violated the 14th amendment. The lawsuit alleged that the school was violating Indiana’s vaccine passport law and that the student body is being forced to comply or face “virtual expulsion” otherwise.

It was back in May that the institution said that students would have “to verify vaccination status” if they didn’t apply for a medical or religious exemption. Barring that, and failing to verify, means essentially students can’t participate with in-person daily life on school grounds.

The decision sparked protests from local parents. Their leadership stressed they weren’t “anti-vax” but rather opposed the “unknowns” still at play when it came to the vaccine. At the time it was said that those who got exemptions from the school would be forced to wear a mask and be tested for COVID twice a week, while those vaccinated wouldn’t face the same restrictions.