Illinois universities sharing their back-to-school COVID plans with lawmakers

Posted on August 6, 2021
Leaders of colleges and universities around the state discussed the year past and the year to come – including incentivizing students to get vaccinated. (Photo courtesy Illinois State University)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – It’s back to school time, but it’s college presidents giving a report.

Members of two House committees heard reports not just from college leaders, but from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

“We consulted with the Board of Higher Education about strongly encouraging institutions of higher education to require all teachers, staff and students to be vaccinated against COVID-19,” said IDPH’s Aaron Beswick.

“Don’t follow up. I want you to just commit you will share (your supporting information) with the legislators on this committee,” said State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst). “Because I have had difficulty getting information out of IDPH. Dr. (Ngozi) Ezike (IDPH director) makes a lot of these pronouncements but then she won’t back it up with the actual evidence that she is relying on.”

Leaders of colleges and universities around the state discussed the year past and the year to come – including incentivizing students to get vaccinated.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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