Freedom of choice is a term often heard on college campuses across the nation.
No exception — and perhaps leading advocates of free of choice — are our friends in the University of Charleston administration.
UC President Marty Roth posted a letter to students for the next semester that is troubling in light of freedom of choice as well as recent developments with the Covid pandemic.
The University of Charleston will require students to be vaccinated against Covid-19 for the fall semester. Roth’s missive leaves no room for individual choice. It’s literally UC’s way or the highway.
According to the President, if a student has already paid fees but refuses to be vaccinated, the money will be refunded. So much for meaningful discussion. That apparently was lost in the process.
Meanwhile, the state’s public institutions of higher learning have not followed UC’s lead. At this point, none have announced mandatory mask policies.
We’re neither doctors nor experts in handling pandemics. Actually, given the Covid pandemic, we’re not sure anyone is.
Once upon a time the red, white and blue of the United States flag stood for freedom and individual choice. How far, oh Lord, have we departed from those principles?
With recent Covid numbers dropping on a daily basis, it does not even qualify as a pandemic. Despite its availability and firmer scientific foundation, we do not require flu vaccinations to go to college.
We don’t buy conspiracy theories that have the Covid vaccine deliberately killing people. But given the limited screening and stories of side effects, we understand why some refuse the vaccine.
In making an individual choice, anti- vaxxers should not be giving.up college careers.
UC is wrong and Roth is wrong. Students should have some freedom to make their own choices.
It’s an interesting concept that UC should try.