KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – UPDATE: A temporary restraining order has been granted after a lawsuit was filed against Western Michigan University (WMU) by soccer players who haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccine for religious reasons.
The restraining order was issued by Judge Paul Maloney, who said that the players will be allowed to stay on the team while the lawsuit is ongoing.
The temporary restraining order means that WMU cannot prevent the four team members from participating. Maloney wrote that the order will be in place for two weeks, but it could be ended sooner depending on how it plays out at the next court date.
Maloney adds that the suit may succeed based on religious freedom laws.
The next court date is currently scheduled for Thursday, September 9.
— Original Story —
Four female soccer players at Western Michigan University have challenged the school’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement for athlete, saying it violates their Christian beliefs.
The lawsuit filed Monday came days after a Michigan State University employee sued to block its mandate, which is broader and applies to all students, faculty and staff.
Emily Dahl, Hannah Redoute, Bailey Korhorn and Morgan Otteson say Western Michigan University earlier this month required them to get a shot by month’s end or be removed from the team. According to their federal case filed in Grand Rapids, they were denied religious exemptions, and say the school does not require the general student body to be vaccinated.
Western Michigan said it has a “compelling interest” in acting to avoid the “significant risk” of an outbreak due to unvaccinated athletes.
Western Michigan’s rule applies to all student-athletes, coaches and athletic staff. According to the Associated Press, one of the players said she believes God has given her the strength to naturally fight illnesses. Another said she trusts the Lord and getting vaccinated would go against her conscience.
The case of the Western players will be considered by U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney
