DELAWARE- The goal was to get Delaware Tech back for in-person instruction by January, but that is not the case.
President Dr. Mark Brainard says a vaccine mandate is the right move.
"We remain in a remote environment and they're asking us why they can't come back to campus and we desperately want them to do that," Dr. Brainard said. "But it has to be safe. It has to be healthy."
Any students taking summer classes who is over 18 must be vaccinated and boosted by the end the of March. For fall, students must be vaccinated and boosted by April 20. Delaware Tech says by May 1, proof of vaccination is required for all visitors including children age five and older. Any one of these groups can also show a negative test when coming to campus.
Republican leaders, especially in Sussex County, are not happy with the decision. 19th District Senator Brian Pettyjohn says enough is enough.
"It's time to really revisit what we're doing in terms of forcing this type of thing on not just our kids but anyone who is willing to learn these trades, learn these other skills."
Pettyjohn and other state leaders say the mandate makes educational opportunities less available and also curtails job training at Delaware Tech, which Republicans say is needed to help our struggling workforce.
But Delaware Governor John Carney expressed his support for the policy.
"I know President Brianard understands his campuses and the needs of his employees and his students better than most of us and certainly better than I do," Carney said. "And so I applaud him for taking that action."
Another vaccine debate. This one at one of Delaware's biggest institutions.