FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern University’s attempt to have a fully vaccinated campus in the fall has been scuttled after Gov. Ron DeSantis and state lawmakers banned such measures.
The Davie-based private university announced in early April that COVID-19 vaccines would be required for students and staff when in-person classes resume in the fall.
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That is no longer the case, NSU said Wednesday.
“As you know, Nova Southeastern University was hoping for the ability to require COVID-19 vaccinations where possible to further protect the NSU Florida community,” a school spokesman said in an email. “However, due to a new Florida law, the university is unable to maintain such a policy. NSU Florida always follows the letter and spirit of the law and we must do that as the law goes into effect on July 1, 2021.
“Therefore, we are NOT requiring vaccinations for NSU Florida students, faculty, and staff, as was announced back on April 1, before the legislation was passed. Nonetheless, with additional safeguards in place, NSU Florida has its best opportunity to return to normalcy this fall.”
DeSantis on Monday suspended all local COVID-19 orders, and he has signed legislation to block so-called “vaccine passports” in the state.
“In Florida, your personal choice regarding vaccinations will be protected and no business or government entity will be able to deny you services based on your decision,” DeSantis said in signing the bill banning vaccine mandates.