This past month the Administrative Assistant for the School of Nursing at Nevada State College stated that Dignity Health Hospital, UMC, and Henderson Hospital mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for all employees and students. It was stated that each hospital would allow for religious and medical exemptions to be submitted. Various students applied for an exemption and UMC was the first hospital to deny them. Furthermore, we were informed that if we do not consent to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, we cannot attend clinical this semester. As a result of this, unvaccinated students will receive an unexcused absence and fail the course ultimately being unable to continue the nursing program. It was also stated that no accommodations will be made. I myself and the other students who were denied have worked incredibly hard to get to where we are currently in the program just as everyone else. Students should not be forced to inject a vaccine into their bodies that would infringe upon their religious beliefs or medical conditions. Before the vaccine became mandated students who received the vaccine made a choice to do so out of their free will. They teach us in nursing school that people have the right to their autonomy and you should never discriminate against someone's religious beliefs. However, they are violating our civil rights in doing so by denying us our education unless we get vaccinated. They also teach us to always advocate for our patients. But what about us? Who will advocate for our rights? I am asking for support in allowing students to exercise their civil rights and religious convictions when it comes to this vaccine mandate. This is discrimination and we need to stand up! Please join us in support by signing this petition and sharing it with others.