(Washington, D.C.) - Despite an appeal to the Supreme Court, Indiana University’s vaccine mandate will stand.

Eight IU students were petitioning to nullify the school’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement. Thursday, speaking for the High Court, Justice Amy Coney Barrett declined the request. Barrett’s was the only opinion needed since she represents the appeals court involved in the case. 

Indiana University has added ethical, religious, and medical exemptions to its vaccination policy. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, Indiana University joins over 600 colleges and universities across the country requiring student vaccinations. 

Barrett is a former South Bend native and University of Notre Dame professor. She was appointed to the Supreme Court by former President Donald Trump in 2020.