University President Joan Gabel announced Monday the University of Minnesota will not require COVID-19 vaccinations for students, staff or faculty prior to the start of the fall semester.

This announcement comes as many universities and colleges, like Cornell and Duke University, have required students to be vaccinated before the start of fall semester. In a systemwide email, Gabel stated that vaccinations are a “complex and personal issue” and addressing individual circumstances is challenging in any university-wide approach.

The announcement also stated that the University “will respect individual choices” towards vaccinations and continue to support students, staff and faculty.

According to the email, 65% of all Minnesotans 16 and over have gotten at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. A recent survey of UMN students, staff and faculty found that 96% of respondents were at least partially vaccinated, Gabel said in the email.

This is a breaking news report. More information will be added as it becomes available.