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College students in Ann Arbor, Flint, Dearborn, East Lansing, and Detroit must be vaccinated by the beginning of the fall semester or risk being shut out of the classroom. The state’s three largest universities all made announcements this week that at least the first shot needs to be in the arm for staff, students, and faculty by the beginning of the semester, with a plan to complete the two-dose regime if getting the Pfizer or Moderna options.
Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University said they timed the announcements to allow those affected to make vaccine arrangements. That starts the clock for Upper Peninsula schools. So far, Northern Michigan University has weighed in saying it will not mandate a vaccine. Michigan Technological University has not provided a statement as of Wednesday morning.
The colleges in question are not the only institutions the policies in effect. The vaccine mandates have drawn controversy across the country and several lawsuits have been filed to roll them back. A petition is already circulating asking Michigan State to reconsider its edict.
Anyone 12 and older is eligible for at least one COVID vaccine option. Houghton-Portage Township, Hancock, and Calumet-Laurium-Keweenaw School Districts have all said masks and vaccines are not required for the upcoming school year. There is growing consensus that Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommendations like regular PCR testing will also be abandoned, with the caveat that changes in area conditions could see an adjustment in policy.
