Indiana University refuses to back down from vaccination mandates even after law suit
Several Indiana University students have filed suit against the school for violation of their 14th Constitutional Amendment as well as a violation of the Indiana state law banning proof of Covid vaccinations. Even though IU recently changed course under the pressure from a letter drafted by Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, stating that the original policy from the state’s public university violated recently passed legislation, the University is still accused of denying students the right to protect their personal autonomy and bodily integrity. Indiana University stands in confidence that their revised policy is legal, and that they have the right to require students, faculty, and staff to obtain the Covid vaccine, even though they have yet to become fully approved by the FDA.
Ivy Tech working to make college more affordable
The Ivy Tech State Board of Trustees recently approved a new tuition model for the Community College. The new approach, Ivy+, is focused on making college more affordable, ensuring students have equitable access, transparency of cost, on-time completion, and a seamless experience. Ivy Tech becomes one of the first schools in Indiana and first community colleges in the country to adopt this new tuition model. Ivy+ transforms the tuition structure by including the cost of textbooks as a regularly assessed fee. Ivy+ will also charge the same tuition rate for full-time students enrolled in 12 or more credits. If a student takes 12 credits, 15, or even 24 credits in a given term, the cost of tuition will be the same for the student. Part-time students will see their tuition frozen for the next two years and will continue to pay per credit hour. As part of the Ivy+ rollout, Ivy Tech will cover the cost of textbooks for students in the 2021-2022 academic year through the federal government’s Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund.
Indiana 211 collecting storm damage reports throughout the state
Residents impacted by the severe storms June 18-21 are asked to contact Indiana 211 to report storm damage and help with a statewide damage assessment. The storm produced several tornado warnings and resulted in severe flooding in some areas. The storms damaged or destroyed multiple buildings, caused evacuations, and resulted in temporary shelters erected in counties with considerable damage. At least one death in Monroe County has been attributed to the swift-moving storm. In addition to local public safety crews, Indiana Department of Homeland Security personnel has been deployed to specific counties with damage, including Franklin, Steuben, Jefferson, and Monroe counties. As of 7 pm Monday, more than 14,000 Hoosiers were without power, including counties in the northern part of the state impacted by a storm system that caused damage in the Chicago area. In all, more than 20 counties have reported damage thus far.
To help establish a comprehensive assessment of damages, Indiana 211 will be collecting damage reports from Hoosiers. Residents with damage can call 211 or visit the Indiana 211 website. Indiana 211 also will be working with the Family and Social Services Administration to help connect Hoosiers with additional services, including temporary housing, food, and other essentials. The local American Red Cross also is assisting.