West Chester University now plans to randomly test students who do not voluntarily submit COVID-19 vaccination proof. Susan Snyder covered the change in policy for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The university originally stated it would not seek vaccination verifications, thinking that it had no legal standing to do so. When evidence emerged to the contrary, administrators changed course.

“If this is possible, of course we want to do it,” said Zebulun R. Davenport, vice president for student affairs.

The testing will be required for students who live on the campus, while those who live off campus will be asked to participate.

The university is also requiring all staff and students to wear masks indoors.

Additionally, faculty has been calling on the system to mandate vaccination. But a requirement like this, according to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is an overreach. It is legally unable to enforce such a policy in any of its state schools, including its largest, WCU.

The university has found other ways to encourage vaccination, including entering students who submit proof into a draw for scholarships.

Read more about West Chester University in The Philadelphia Inquirer.