Western University finally dropped its COVID 19 vaccine mandate on Tuesday, after months of petitions and protests against the institution.

“BREAKING: Western University revokes its vaccine mandate This comes shortly after TDF and Lisa Bildy of Libertas Law filed an appeal at the Ontario Court of Appeal challenging the legitimacy of the University’s vaccine mandate,” tweeted the Democracy Fund.

Students and staff will now be allowed to attend the university without needing to show proof of vaccinations.

“After consultation with our medical experts and local public health, vaccinations are no longer required for students, employees and visitors at #WesternU,” the university’s Twitter account stated. 

“Masks will still be required in instructional spaces in the winter term after the December break.”

In August, the university announced it was keeping its vaccine mandate unlike some other schools – and even added a third vaccine to its mandate.

Subsequently, hundreds of Western University students, along with their parents and former faculty, began protesting against the institution’s sudden decision to implement a COVID booster mandate.

One of the attendees at the summer rally was former Western University professor and ethics scholar Julie Ponesse. Ponesse was fired from her job as ethics professor for refusing to submit to her institution’s medical mandate.

She’s previously spoken out and even taught a lecture on “the ethics of coerced vaccination.” Unsurprisingly, it was her last lecture.  

Upon announcing the mandate was being axed, the university statement asserted that medical experts suggested it was time for a change in policy.

“That said, public health guidance remains clear: vaccination continues to be the best defence against severe illness and hospitalization. We strongly encourage everyone to remain up to date on their vaccinations,” its website reads.