DSU To Require COVID Vaccinations For Students, Staff

Delaware State University will require returning students and employees in the fall to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

The policy was announced Wednesday at a community forum. There would be exceptions for approved medical or religious reasons.

According to DSU President Tony Allen, the requirement is a “logical extension” of the university’s COVID-19 regime, which has been nationally recognized for keeping positive tests results to an average of 0.5-percent among students and staff.

“Our testing program in collaboration with Testing for America allowed us to bring back about 70% of our residential population last year for mostly hybrid courses. The vaccination requirement permits us to open up more space at both the University’s main campus and as well as the soon to be acquired Wesley College campus, and to return to our normal methods of course delivery,” Allen said.

School officials said hundreds of students have received at least their first doses of the vaccine. DSU medical staff would help students locate a second vaccination in their home communities.

On the matter of exemptions, University General Counsel LaKresha Moultrie said: “we will work with everyone with a special
situation, but it helps to know about potential issues as early as possible.” Anyone who seeks an exemption would be required to provide supporting documentation.