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Holcomb Opposes COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates By Public Schools, Universities

FILE PHOTO: Brandon Smith
/
IPB News

Gov. Eric Holcomb said he does not support public schools requiring a COVID-19 vaccination.

His comments come as Indiana University has been under fire from conservatives and government leaders for its decision to mandate the vaccine for students, faculty and staff returning to campus this fall.

READ MORE: How Is Indiana Distributing COVID-19 Vaccines? Here's What You Need To Know

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Holcomb said he hopes public institutions follow his lead – he’s not requiring the COVID-19 vaccine for state employees.

“I do support private businesses making that call," Holcomb said. "But not public institutions.”

Holcomb said he still strongly encourages people to get the vaccine. Indiana ranks 36th in the country for the percentage of its population fully vaccinated.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

Brandon Smith is excited to be working for public radio in Indiana. He has previously worked in public radio as a reporter and anchor in mid-Missouri for KBIA Radio out of Columbia. Prior to that, he worked for WSPY Radio in Plano, Illinois as a show host, reporter, producer and anchor. His first job in radio was in another state capitol, in Jefferson City, Missouri, as a reporter for three radio stations around Missouri. Brandon graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2010, with minors in political science and history. He was born and raised in Chicago.