Lily Densmore
Now that vaccines are easy to access and receive in the state of Maryland it is obvious that a good majority of people have gotten it. Many Americans, however, still have not. While schools are requiring teachers and professors to show proof of vaccination, should the teachers and professors be allowed to ask students directly to show vaccination proof when it is not required by the school?
Since COVID started, getting the vaccine has been all that some people have been thinking about. However, many Americans, for a variety of reasons, have only been focused on actually not getting vaccinated.
Schools have been asking for proof of chickenpox vaccination and measles vaccination for decades without much backlash from parents. Now that we have a new vaccine that not many schools are asking for proof of, is it right that teachers and professors ask students directly?
CCBC Student Jasmine Laws said, “I think that it should not be a requirement, it’s not an invasion of personal space but it’s also not a (official) requirement.”
Still, the COVID-19 Vaccine could eventually be seen as any other type of traditional vaccine, where in a few years all students must show proof of their status just like they do for things like chicken pox or measles.
“Well, it's no different than when we all were in elementary and middle/high school where our parents had to show proof, but since being in college and it's not required then I think it's none of their business,” CCBC Student Tiffany Cooper said. “That also goes with the workplace asking. If it's not required, then it's none of your business. And if a professor does ask, then you should be able to reverse the question and ask them to show theirs.”
Some teachers might see this as an effective way for students to get more credit in class, but could it affect more than just a grade?
Some professors locally and beyond, are choosing to give students the option this semester to show proof of vaccination for extra credit. This could be poorly affecting students in the class as they are getting credit for something that has nothing to do with the actual course of study.
CCBC Student Noah Kabre said, “Walking (around campus) with or without being vaccinated won’t change because there’s always the percentage of people that will be in their own little world.”
Although this could be seen as a “step in the right direction” to some, others could end up seeing this as an invasion of personal privacy done by specific professors especially considering CCBC and some other local colleges do not yet require any form of official proof of vaccination.
Ultimately each student has their own say in whether or not they show anyone their vaccination card especially if the teacher chooses to ask for proof when it is not required by the school.
CCBC Student Allison Hershey said, “I don't think that they should force people but if the students are willing to give up that information I say go for it.”
This is a great article that really helped me understand how students are thinking through this issue.
Thanks!