Effective on September 7, the University of Waterloo denies all visitors who choose not to get vaccinated. The reason for this notion is because they believe that it will "[strengthen] safety measures against COVID-19" (https://uwaterloo.ca/coronavirus/return/vaccination-requirement). Without accommodation, this prevents many staff and students to attend classes that will primarily be held in person next semester (January to April). To receive an accommodation, many hoops are required to jump through and even when done so, they are few and far between.

This leaves many students stuck between a rock and a hard place as they are left with the option to get vaccinated or not attend. This also creates a NEGATIVE social divide between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated. Linked here is a student asking a question about accommodation only for vaccinated students to bully the person asking a question:(https://www.reddit.com/r/uwaterloo/comments/quxfl7/how_do_i_get_a_vaccine_exemption_on_human_rights/). Under the University of Waterloo's Policy 33, "each member of the University endeavour to contribute to the existence of a just and supportive community based on equality and respect for individual differences." (https://uwaterloo.ca/secretariat/policies-procedures-guidelines/policy-33). Do the comments reflect a just and supportive community for individual differences? Why hasn't the University of Waterloo intervened. Also right on the same page, the University of Waterloo has the Ontario Human Rights Code "equal treatment in a number of areas (i.e., services, goods and facilities, accommodation/housing, employment, contracts, membership in trade unions and vocational associations), free from discrimination based on the following prohibited grounds: race; ancestry; place of origin; colour; ethnic origin; citizenship; creed/religion; sex; sexual orientation; age; record of offences; marital status; same-sex partnership status; family status; receipt of public assistance; mental or physical handicap.".

If the University of Waterloo's main concern is safety, why is it that only the accommodated need to test? (https://uwaterloo.ca/coronavirus/return/vaccination-requirement#accommodations). Why is it that the University of Waterloo refuses to accommodate its students who pay tens of thousands of dollars in tuition? Why is it that the University of Waterloo allows people who have differing opinions to get harassed? If the University of Waterloo really does care about human rights and equality they would at minimum allow another option for those who choose not to get vaccinated. Online courses is the easiest solution.

Over the last year and 10 months, a vast majority of courses were ran online meaning that most lectures were either pre-recorded or recorded in general so there is no shortage of content and there is no excuse not to run online courses. Questions students have can be asked via a virtual meeting or asking on Piazza which is generally used regardless of in person or online classes. Streaming the class live could also be another way the university can allow those who aren't permitted on campus to finish their degree.

The University of Waterloo is filled with brilliant minds and talent but is currently suffering from division. Over the next month, only time will tell if the University of Waterloo really believes in Policy 33 - Ethical Behaviour, equality and human rights. Vaccinated or not, please sign and share this if you believe that everyone has a right to education. Thank you for your time.