Dordt University is clarifying its role in COVID-19 vaccination policies connected to a case that will go before the Iowa Supreme Court later this month.
Previous reporting from Community First Broadcasting on this case incorrectly stated Dordt University required nursing students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
In a statement provided to Sioux County Radio, 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.
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 for a religious exemption. The judicial branch summary says Perry did not submit a denominational statement opposing the vaccine or evidence of previous religious exemptions, and Dordt denied his exemption request.
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.
Supreme Court Arguments Set for Spirit Lake
The Iowa Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case Tuesday, September 15, at the Sami Bedell Center for the Performing Arts at Spirit Lake High School.
Arguments begin at 7 p.m. and are open to the public.
