US Merchant Marine Academy rescinds vaccine mandate days after accusations of 'iIlegal attack'
Fox News
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy lifted its vaccine mandate Friday after receiving a letter from Rep. Jim Banks calling it unconstitutional and "an illegal attack."
The Department of Defense's military academies lifted all vaccine requirements in January following pressure from Republicans through the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, but the USMMA is run by the U.S. Maritime Administration under the Department of Transportation (DOT). Jon Brown is a writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to jon.brown@fox.com.
"On October 20, 2021, the USMMA implemented the COVID-19 vaccine requirement as a measure to help protect the health and safety of our Midshipmen on campus and while at sea," USMMA Superintendent Vice Adm. Joanna Nunan wrote in an email to faculty, staff and midshipmen that was obtained by Fox News Digital.