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Appeals court upholds Indiana University’s vaccine mandate

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INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A federal appeals court has ruled that Indiana University can proceed with its plan to require students and employees to get vaccinated for COVID-19.

Monday's ruling is the highest court decision regarding college immunization mandates.

The Chicago-based appeals court upheld a district court judge’s ruling that found that the university was acting reasonably “in pursuing public health and safety for its campus communities.”

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Both courts rejected a request by eight IU students who sought to block the requirement while they challenge its legality, claiming it would violate their constitutional rights by forcing them to receive unwanted medical treatment.

The plaintiffs' lawyer says he will ask the Supreme Court to consider the case.