Mendenhall Law Group is suing four universities in Ohio over those institutions’ vaccine and COVID-19 testing requirements.
Campus Reform spoke with parents and students represented in the suits.
Mendenhall Law Group, a firm based out of Akron, Ohio, has filed a series of lawsuits taking aim against COVID-19 policies in effect at four universities across the state.
The firm argues that policies regarding vaccination, masking, and testing at Ohio University, University of Cincinnati, Bowling Green State University, and Miami University of Ohio are in violation of state law. The lawsuits were filed on behalf of affected students, employees, and parents.
Warner Mendenhall, the firm’s principal, told Campus Reform that he is proud of those who have stepped up to tackle concerns over university COVID-19 policies.
“It’s my privilege to represent people who want to do something,” he stated.
The University of Cincinnati lawsuit represents four student plaintiffs and challenges the university’s vaccination policy that took effect on Sept. 1. The suit was presented to the Court of Common Pleas in Hamilton County.
The plaintiffs argue that requiring students, faculty, and staff to get the vaccine or weekly COVID-19 testing is a violation of R.C. 3709.212. They accuse the state-funded university of enacting discriminatory policies by allowing or disallowing students to participate in activities based on vaccination status.
Additionally, the lawsuit cites an alleged violation of R.C. 2905.12 on account that the mandate “coerces Plaintiffs from taking or refraining from actions over which they should have legal freedom of choice, by taking, withholding, or threatening to take or withhold official action.”
The suit also proposes that the mandate is in violation of Article I, Section I of the Ohio State Constitution as it “violates Plaintiffs’ right to refuse medical treatment.”
Furthermore, action has been taken against Ohio University for similar vaccination requirements that went into effect on Aug. 31. Repercussions for failing to comply with the mandate may result in “suspension or expulsion.”
That lawsuit is on behalf of 15 Ohio University students and 1 faculty member.
“The University believes its actions addressing community health concerns brought on by the pandemic are necessary, scientifically supported, and legally valid,” Jim Sabin, Ohio University media relations manager, told Campus Reform.
Molly Noble, a parent of one of the Ohio University plaintiffs, vocalized the concerns and frustrations that sparked her to pursue legal action. Speaking with Campus Reform, she discussed her son’s unusual college experience as he navigates his undergraduate degree online, as many other students are forced to do.
“Well, it’s been two years. My son started as a freshman in 2019. He had a great first semester,” she explained. Now a junior, he has only taken one in-person course during his undergraduate experience, according to Noble.
Breaking down the COVID-19 policies of…
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