9/1/21 - Update: Judge blocks Western Michigan’s vaccine mandate for athletes

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 7:46 AM

WMU wants athletes to be vaccinates but members of the women's soccer team sue, and a judge agrees.

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A judge has blocked Western Michigan University from enforcing a COVID-19 vaccine requirement against four female soccer players who sued, ruling they are likely to prevail on claims it violates their religious rights.

U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney in Grand Rapids issued the temporary restraining order Tuesday, the school’s deadline for athletes to get an initial shot or be unable to compete.

In a separate case, he denied a request to block Michigan State University’s broader vaccine mandate for students and employees. An employee who had COVID-19 last year said she should not have to be vaccinated.

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