Several major colleges in Colorado release joint statement requiring COVID-19 vaccines
COLORADO (KRDO) -- Several of the major public universities in Colorado announced Wednesday they are requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for staff and students for the upcoming 2021 fall semester.
The following universities are now requiring COVID-19 vaccinations:
- All University of Colorado campuses
- All Colorado State University campuses
- University of Northern Colorado
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
- Fort Lewis College
The colleges released the following statement:
Our public institutions of higher education will require that all of our students, faculty and staff receive COVID-19 vaccinations before the beginning of 2021 fall semester classes. We consulted with state and local health departments to inform this determination, as well as with the Governor’s Office and Colorado Department of Higher Education. The Department of Higher Education had encouraged this direction. The science around COVID-19 and vaccines is clear and compelling. Vaccines are good for public health, not only lowering rates of infection on our campuses, but also in the communities they call home. Vaccines will also allow on-campus students and faculty to resume their in-person experience that is critical to academic success and personal growth. As with our current vaccine requirements, campuses will allow for exemptions. Our institutions will communicate more detail to our respective campus communities in the days ahead. Other public institutions in Colorado are considering the issue and will communicate as necessary.
From University of Colorado System, Colorado State University System, University of Northern Colorado, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Fort Lewis College
Additionally, the CSU System released their own statement announcing the COVID vaccine requirement saying, "After conferring with the presidents of the two campuses, CSU System Chancellor Tony Frank today announced the new requirements, which will be finalized by the Board of Governors of the CSU System when it meets on May 6. This requirement is conditioned upon full approval of one or more vaccines by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration."
On Monday, Colorado College announced the same requirement. Fort Lewis College had previously announced their vaccine requirement in early April.
