In one of the first moves that will shape her judicial legacy, Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump last year, has rejected college students’ request this week for an injunction against the University of Indiana’s vaccine mandate.
Barrett on Thursday rejected the group’s emergency plea without providing any explanation and without referring the case to the full court for review. Her decision came after the vaccine mandate was upheld by two lower courts, New York Post reported.
Indiana University, which is one of the “Big Ten” schools, is requiring all students and faculty to receive the COVID-19 vaccine by the fall. Those who receive medical or religious exemptions are subject to further restrictions and regular testing.
Students argued in the case that the mandate violated their rights under the 14th Amendment, which states no state shall “make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.”
Specifically, the students said “constitutional right to bodily integrity, autonomy, and of medical treatment choice,” according to the Post.
The students also contended that the university was violating medical ethics by not allowing them to give “voluntary and informed consent for any procedure, or drug that imposes a medical risk to an individual.”
Because Barrett autonomously rejected this important case relating to civil liberties without explanation, conservatives are expressing concern that she will not be committed to their values, especially when it comes to preserving freedom in America.
Although it is unclear what is next for the case, this could cause Barrett to lose most of her support among conservatives who supported her nomination despite vicious attacks from the Left.
Grace Saldana
FreedomWire News