Rhodes College officials in Memphis have notified students that they must vaccinate themselves against COVID-19 — or else pay a per semester mandatory testing fee of $1,500.
This, according to a letter that Vice President for Student Life Meghan Harte Weyant recently distributed to students about the upcoming school year.
Weyant said Rhodes officials are recommending — but not requiring — a full vaccination for any individuals who come to campus, at least not until officials with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approve the vaccine.
“Aligned with our long-standing practice and policy requiring health forms and vaccinations, the college fully intends to require the COVID-19 vaccination immediately upon FDA approval. This will be required for students, faculty, staff, vendors, and campus partners. It is anticipated that FDA approval may be authorized this summer,” Weyant wrote.
“In anticipation of FDA approval, we are strongly recommending all students be vaccinated this summer in order to not prevent or delay your return to campus in August. Immediately following FDA approval, students will be required to be vaccinated to access campus. Upon returning to campus non-vaccinated students will be charged a $1500 per semester Health & Safety fee to cover the costs of mandatory testing.”
Weyant said Rhodes will require non-vaccinated international students to complete a COVID-19 PCR test at their own expense and through their own health care provider 14 days prior to returning to campus.
As for this summer, Weyant told students that, per U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidelines, Rhodes won’t require masks for individuals who are vaccinated.
“Non-vaccinated individuals must remain masked indoors and socially distanced outdoors,” Weyant wrote.
“Any individual who prefers to be masked is welcome to do so.”
Rhodes, according to its website, generally has more than 2,000 students from 45 states and 55 countries. International students make up about 34 percent of the student body.
– – –
Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].
