AUSTIN (KXAN) — Huston-Tillotson University will require students to report their COVID-19 vaccination status in order to attend class in the 2022 spring semester.
In a letter on the school's website, officials said students need to show proof they've received the COVID-19 vaccine or file an approved and notarized vaccination exemption form before starting classes. Approved reasons for an exemption are "medical conditions which make receipt of the vaccine dangerous or otherwise inappropriate," and "reasons of conscience, including sincerely held religious beliefs protected under Title VII."
Students that don't file the required paperwork will have a hold placed on their accounts and won't be allowed to go to class, the letter said. Anyone who filed the paperwork previously won't have to again, the letter said.
"Huston-Tillotson University (HT) continues to take a proactive, science-based approach to campus operations during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," the letter reads. "HT is committed to protecting our entire community and the greater good."
The historically Black school in east Austin has "highly encouraged" students to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and it required weekly PCR testing for students and employees who aren't vaccinated since it resumed campus operations this fall. Masks have been required for everyone indoors, and health screenings are required for campus entry and participation in activities.
St. Edward's University moved to require students and employees to provide proof of vaccination before the Fall 2021 semester, but after Gov. Greg Abbott enacted Executive Order GA-35 to forbid places that receive public funds to require a COVID-19 vaccination, it loosened its regulations to include more qualified exemptions. St. Edward's, while a private college, receives public funds for financial aid.
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