(Spirit Lake)– We have a correction to make in a previous news story that referenced Dordt University and covid vaccination requirements. In that story, we incorrectly stated Dordt University required nursing students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. In a statement, Dordt addressed the distinction between university policy and the policies nursing students encountered while completing clinical training. “Dordt University does not have and has never had a Covid-19 vaccination requirement. Nursing students completing training in area hospitals and clinics are asked to follow the healthcare partners’ vaccination policies while in their facilities.”
The clarification comes ahead of oral arguments in Andrew Perry v. Dordt University, a case stemming from vaccination policies affecting nursing students completing clinical rotations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Iowa Supreme Court will hear those arguments September 15th at the Sami Center for the Performing Arts at Spirit Lake High School.
Case Involves Former Nursing Student
According to a case summary from the Iowa Judicial Branch, Dordt nursing students must complete clinical rotations, often at nearby healthcare facilities. The summary says Dordt notified students in 2021 that, to work in those facilities, they needed to receive the COVID-19 vaccine or seek an exemption, including a religious exemption.
Former Dordt nursing student Andrew Perry applied such an exemption. The judicial branch summary says Perry did not submit a denominational statement opposing the vaccine or evidence of previous religious exemptions, and his exemption request was denied. Perry sued Dordt in 2022, alleging discrimination based on religion under the Iowa Civil Rights Act. The district court found Perry did not have a sincere religious belief opposing the COVID-19 vaccine and dismissed the lawsuit. Perry appealed, arguing the court erred because Dordt valued some religious practices more than his.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Dordt University required nursing students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Dordt University says it does not have and has never had a COVID-19 vaccination requirement. Nursing students completing clinical rotations at area healthcare facilities were required to follow those facilities’ vaccination policies. Dordt notified students of those requirements and administered the exemption process. The story has been updated to reflect that distinction. We sincerely regret the error.
(Thanks to Community First Broadcasting’s Sioux County Radio for contributing to this story)
