Unvaccinated student athletes at Western Michigan University , can still play but need to test and mask up when appropriate.
Western Michigan University agrees to stop opposing a legal challenge by some athletes who declined to get the COVID-19 vaccine. They had declared a "religious exemption" for the reason they did not get vaccinated.
The University says they will follow the terms of an injunction ordered by a federal judge and affirmed in October by an appeals court. It allows the athletes to compete as long as they undergo regular testing and wear masks when it is appropriate.
The fall season began by requiring athletes at WMU to be vaccinated. At least 16 sought an exemption, but were turned down.
The school's policy, which mandated COVID-19 vaccines for student athletes, was found to violate the students' First Amendment right to a religious exemption.
The university agreed to pay the students' legal fees, totaling $34,000.
Other than athletes, WMU staff and students are encouraged to be vaccinated but not required.
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