Team,
As many of you are aware, a federal executive order was issued earlier this fall requiring all employees of federal contractors to be vaccinated. Idaho State is a federal contractor as we receive approximately $23 million annually in non-grant-related federal contracts. Under the executive order, our University is required to abide by this vaccine mandate. However, this is an evolving situation that has been challenged in the Federal Courts, including a recent lawsuit by the State of Idaho. This week a Federal Judge issued an injunction stopping the enforcement of some sections of the executive order. Currently, our University is working closely with our sister institutions to assess the guidance and monitor updates from the State Board of Education. We have been making preparations to implement the mandate, if required, but plans are on pause until we learn more.
To reiterate a point I have made numerous times before, widespread vaccination for COVID-19 is a critical tool to best protect everyone, especially those at highest risk, from severe illness and death. As we await further guidance from our State leadership on the federal executive order, I want to make my expectations clear. I expect the members of our campus community to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. However, whether we implement a vaccine requirement for employees remains unclear for now. I will keep you updated as we learn more.