Colleges should offer options to vaccine rules

As colleges and universities prepare for a fall semester of in-person classes some still are weighing the option of requiring students and staff to receive a COVID -19 vaccination. Already more than 500 institutions nationwide have made the decision that a vaccine will be required to return to campus.

Given what has transpired over the past 18 months, institutions of higher learning should want to do everything possible to limit any outbreaks of COVID -19. And while a vacspread cine requirement seems the most obvious way to move forward in a safe environment, it overlooks the fact that individuals have the right to refuse a vaccine. In this country, citizens have the right to be wrong.

There are options that should be explored.

Most schools that have adopted a vaccine requirement have added exceptions for those opposed for medical or religious reasons. An exception should also be available to those who do not want a vaccine but want to attend school.

Although vaccination is by far the best way to limit the of COVID -19, there can be sincere concerns about the vaccines. There is a way around the problem and one that has been in place since the start of the pandemic: testing.

Those who wish to attend classes but do not want the vaccine should be offered the option of undergoing regular testing — at their own expense — and agree to adhere to safety protocols the school has established.

Most of the more than 4,000 degree-granting schools are taking the right approach in encouraging students to get vaccinated.

Educating students about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines and encouraging inoculation are the best ways to douse vaccine hesitancy. Schools that have announced a requirement have seen protests on campus and pushback from some state lawmakers.

Although schools may have the legal authority to impose a vaccine requirement, it would make more sense to acknowledge that there are some who are simply opposed.

Schools should establish safety protocols built around ongoing and incentivized testing of students.