Students sue Creighton University over COVID-19 vaccination requirement

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - A group of Creighton University students said Friday that they had filed a lawsuit earlier in the week against the college for “refusing to grant religious or medical exemptions.”

According to a release from a local PR firm, the lawsuit was filed Wednesday in district court. Students were required to upload their proof of COVID-19 vaccination “prior to their arrival on campus” this fall.

“Many students and parents are disturbed that a religious institution is not allowing religious exemptions,” the students’ attorney, Robert Sullivan, said in the release.

The statement notes the issue of COVID-19 vaccinations has been controversial in the Catholic Church. While that has seemed to be the case in some parts of the country, Omaha-area church leaders told 6 News earlier this year that — in alignment with the Vatican’s stance — they were supportive of vaccinating against COVID-19.

The statement on the lawsuit — filed on behalf of Lauren Ramaekers, Patrice Quadrel, Sarah Sinsel, and Jane Doe — also mentions the “abhorrent” use of fetal tissue or cells in vaccines; however, current COVID-19 vaccinations do not contain either.

“The vaccines have no fetal tissue in it. People don’t have to be worried. They’re not receiving fetal tissue,” according to Dr. Steven Doran, a bioethicist, COVID-19 Task Force member, and a consultant with the Omaha Archdiocese.

Even still, the Vatican has declared it is morally acceptable for Catholics to receive COVID-19 vaccines, including those based on research that used cells derived from aborted fetuses.

Last month, Pope Francis released a video message encouraging Catholics to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Vaccination is a simple but profound way of promoting the common good and caring for each other, especially the most vulnerable,” he said.