Queen’s University released a statement in the Queen’s Gazette today, announcing that COVID-19 vaccinations will be mandatory for students, staff, and faculty returning to campus.
The university now requires that students, staff, and faculty must be fully vaccinated or “have a plan to do so” by Sept. 7.
This follows community pressure and a student-run petition calling for the University to mandate vaccinations and testing on campus, which has 1,654 signatures as of August 12.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, the health and safety of our campus and Kingston communities has been our top priority,” Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane said. “We know from medical science that ensuring high vaccination rates is the most effective way to mitigate a fourth wave and to best safeguard our anticipated full return to campus.”
“We have made these decisions based on the advice of, and in consultation with, medical and public health experts, and feel strongly that our Queen’s community will do its part to support these efforts for the common good.”
According to the statement, non-fully vaccinated individuals accessing campus must undertake additional health and safety protocols and COVID-19 testing as recommended by KFL&A Public Health.
The university will assess accommodation needs for individuals who are unable to get vaccinated for medical reasons or reasons pertaining to grounds protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code.
