Michael Vernick Speaks with NPR on Lawsuit Challenging Campus Vaccine Requirement
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Akin Gump government contracts practice head Michael Vernick has been interviewed by National Public Radio for the story “Lawsuit Challenges Indiana University’s Mandate Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination.” The story, which aired on the All Things Considered program, reports on a lawsuit challenging COVID vaccine requirements before students can return to campus in the fall.
NPR says there is a long history of colleges and universities requiring vaccines, including those for measles, mumps and rubella. At the same time, though, the legal issues do vary from state to state.
As for whether institutions of higher learning can avoid challenges to their policies on COVID vaccines, Vernick stated, “Given the cultural and political sensitivity around vaccine mandates, I don’t think that you’re going to be able to inoculate yourself from lawsuits. But, that said, I think they stand a good chance of surviving challenges.”
Even though the vaccines are still being given under Emergency Use Authorization, Vernick pointed to a case against a hospital in Houston whose policy mandating vaccines for employees was upheld in court. The article says that could set a precedent for colleges.
