Court Sides With Unvaccinated Michigan Athletes in Mandate Case

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

Sixteen unvaccinated athletes won another round in their legal battle to play sports, despite Western Michigan University’s mandate that all of its inter-collegiate athletes get the COVID-19 vaccination shot.

In a unanimous published decision issued Oct. 7, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati, Ohio, held that the university violated the athletes’ First Amendment rights.

All 16 athletes had filed for religious exemptions, which, according to the court, the university “ignored or denied.”

The court stated: “The university put plaintiffs to the choice: Get vaccinated, or stop fully participating in intercollegiate sports. By conditioning the privilege of playing sports on plaintiffs’ willingness to abandon their sincere religious beliefs, the university burdened their free exercise rights.”

The three-judge panel denied a request by the university to stay a lower court’s preliminary injunction that stopped it from enforcing the vaccination mandate.

The mandate would have barred the athletes from playing in games, or even practicing with their teams, unless they were immunized against the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes the disease COVID-19.

Attorney David Kallman, senior counsel with the Great Lakes Justice Center, who represents the athletes, told the Epoch Times: “It’s a great win for our clients and for religious liberty.”

According to Kallman the court’s decision is now a “binding precedent” in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

In a press release, Kallman wrote: “The Sixth Circuit Court vindicated their (his clients) religious convictions and that they can continue to be part of their teams.

“We trust all parties can move forward in a spirit of cooperation to uphold the important constitutional issues at stake, as well as taking appropriate measures to ensure the safety of everyone at WMU.”

The order affirms: “The First Amendment, as incorporated through the 14th Amendment, prevents a state from ‘prohibiting the free exercise’ of religion.”

The 14th Amendment also guarantees equal protection under the law.

Western Michigan University has no vaccination mandate for the student body as a whole.

However, its athletes are still required to wear masks at practice and be regularly tested for the virus. Those policies were not addressed in the athletes’ complaint.

University officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

By Steven Kovac

Read Original Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Kamala, Please Run Again

Kamala Harris hinted she wants to run for President in 2028, despite poor poll numbers and her loss in 2024. If she runs, the big winners will be the GOP.

Rosie O’Donnell vs. Her Therapist

Rosie O’Donnell's therapist attempted to artfully introduce to her client to the possibility that Rosie's outrage might be performative. It didn’t take.

Hamas’s Stubborn Grip on Arms Signals No Desire for Genuine Peace

Hamas’s rhetoric reflects its founding ideology, prioritizing armed resistance over civilian welfare or diplomatic progress.

Off the radar

In the longstanding and brutal ledger of religious persecution, Nigeria now occupies its own grim chapter with its enduring pogrom against Christians.

The New Jackboots? A Wake-Up Call on Antifa and Fascism

An analysis of whether Antifa truly opposes fascism by comparing its tactics and behavior to historical signs and movements of fascist regimes.

Louisiana GOP State Lawmaker Announces Run Against Incumbent U.S. Senator

Louisiana Rep. Julie Emerson launches a campaign against Sen. Bill Cassidy, entering the state’s first Republican primary race in 50 years.

Trump Says His MRI Test Performed at Walter Reed Was ‘Perfect’

“I did,” Trump confirmed. “I got an MRI. It was perfect. I gave you the full results. We had an MRI, in the machine … the whole thing.”

Fox News to Air First TV Interview With Erika Kirk Following Husband’s Assassination

Erika Kirk, new CEO of Turning Point USA, will give her first TV interview next month, two months after the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk.

Judge Rules Charlie Kirk Assassination Suspect Can Wear Civilian Clothes in Pretrial Hearings

A judge ruled on Oct. 27 that the man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk last month can appear in civilian clothing during all pre-trial hearings.

Trump Hikes Canada’s Tariffs by 10 Percent for Not Pulling Anti-Tariff Ad Immediately

Trump announced he will increase tariffs on Canada by 10% after ad by provincial government of Ontario misrepresented President Reagan’s speech on tariffs.

Trump Rolls Back Emissions Rules on Copper Smelters

President Trump issued a proclamation aimed at reversing a Biden-era environmental rule that enforced stricter air emission standards on copper smelters.

Donor Gives $130 Million to Cover Shortfall in Troop Pay During Shutdown

Trump announced on Oct. 23 that an anonymous donor sent $130M to cover military pay during the ongoing government shutdown.

‘Frustration’ With Canada Led to Trump Scrapping Talks, Not Just Ontario’s Ad: US Official

President Trump cited Ontario’s TV ad as the reason for halting Canada trade talks, but officials say it stems from rising U.S. frustration with Ottawa.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central