Flu vaccine mandatory at Cornell...for white students

[Metaphor]

Assuming rationality, knowledge and no external costs to others, you'd have a point. Since none of that is true, your claim is wrong.

I find it incredible that you think humans are irrational, yet Cornell's policy decision are somehow immune from the charge of 'irrationality'. Were they made by robots?

So, the fact people are required to drive on a particular side of the road does not benefit them? Sorry, your position is incredibly ignorant.

The benefits to society of forcing everybody to drive on a particular side outweigh the cost to somebody who has some strange desire to drive on the opposite side.

More libertarian nonsense. Vaccinations protect the person and others which exercise does not. Nor is your assumption about measuring benefits vs costs valid.

The assumption that I know better than you what my thoughts and feelings are?

Here's a clue: I do.

I don't know about authoritarian leftists, but I do know that people can disagree about the costs. For example, libertarians typically do not account for possible external costs on others which is why they make the argument that vaccinations should not be compelled.

I haven't written anywhere that vaccinations should or should not be compelled.

By definition, if you are literally unable to choose something, your choice is not limited in any meaningful sense. The fact I cannot choose to get an abortion does not mean my choice is limited in any meaningful sense. The fact I cannot choose to have a venison put on my pizza where I live because it is not offered does not mean my choice is limited in any meaningful sense

What bizarre linguistic gymnastics you need to make. Let's say your pizza joint offers venison to BIPOC customers but not white customers. Are you saying you don't have reduced choice compared to BIPOC customers?

I do not support it, I think there should only be exemptions for medical reasons. I simply think your argument is an example of reactionary hysteria.

I lean against Cornell forcing vaccinations on its students in order to get or continue their educations. My work goes out of its way to host flu vaccinations each autumn/winter season which it pays for. But it doesn't monitor the employees that sign up or don't, and it doesn't make contingent continued employment on getting a shot.

But if Cornell are going to force vaccination on students, it should not discriminate by race in its granting of exemptions, and if it will allow exemptions based on 'religious' objections, then it ought allow exemptions based on any other 'reason'.

 

[blastula]

Cornell did say BIPOCs can apply for an exemption. The confusion is both Metaphor's fault and Cornell's. Metaphor does not link directly to page with the exemption, you have to go through several clicks to figure it out.

The exemption language is here. Health Requirements FAQ | Cornell Health

Are exemptions from Cornell's immunization requirements ever granted?

Immunization requirements are in place to protect the health of the community. Therefore, very few exemptions are allowed by New York State Public Health Law.* At present, two exemptions may be pursued: a medical exemption and a religious exemption.
IMPORTANT: Should you choose either form of exemption (medical or religious), please note that in the event of an outbreak of measles, mumps, or rubella on the Cornell campus, New York State law will require you to leave campus (even if you live in a Cornell residence hall or apartment or have a Cornell Dining contract) until the Tompkins County/New York State Health Department has declared it safe for you to return. You will not be permitted to attend classes, laboratories, exams, or paid or volunteer positions; or to participate in any other campus activity. Your own assessment of the risk your presence on campus might pose to you or others will not factor in their decision.
To qualify for an exemption, you must submit one of the following:

• Medical exemption: A medical exemption must be written by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner and state that a valid contraindication to vaccination exists. The exemption must specify which immunizations are contraindicated and why, and how long the medical contraindication will last.
  • Please upload your exemption documentation by logging in to myCornellHealth and selecting Messages & Pharmacy Services > New Message > Send a message or an attachment to Immunization Requirements.

• Religious exemption*: A religious exemption is a written and signed statement from the student that they object to immunization due to their religious beliefs (parent or guardian signature required of students less than 18 years of age). The statement must address all of the following elements:
  • Explain in your own words why you are requesting this religious exemption.
  • Describe the religious principles that guide your objection to immunization.
  • Indicate whether you are opposed to all immunizations, and if not, the religious basis that prohibits particular immunizations.
  • Upload your religious exemption request by logging in to myCornellHealth and selecting Messages & Pharmacy Services > New Message > Send a message or an attachment to Immunization Requirements.

Prior religious exemption statements addressed to other institutions are not considered valid.
*Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to immunization do not justify an exemption under New York State Public Health Law Section 2165.

• Other exemption (for *FLU VACCINATION* requirement only): Ithaca students with other concerns / extenuating circumstances may request an exemption from the Fall 2020 flu vaccination requirement that is part of the university's COVID-19 Behavioral Compact. (Learn more about why Cornell is requiring flu vaccination for students.) Students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a Person of Color (BIPOC) may have personal concerns about fulfilling the Compact requirements based on historical injustices and current events, and may find this information helpful in considering an exemption.
  • To apply for a non-medical/religious exemption to the flu vaccination requirement, students should send us a secure message through our patient portal explaining why you believe you should receive an exemption from this requirement. Log in to myCornellHealth and select Messages & Pharmacy Services > New Message > Send a message or an attachment to Immunization Requirements.

You can tell that this "other" exemption was a recent addition to the page because it contradicts the text in pink which says only a religious or medical exemption is allowed. Even worse this exemption contradicts the statement, "Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to immunization do not justify an exemption under New York State Public Health Law Section 2165." (even if that doesn't apply to the flu vaccine)

The text in bold is the exemption and it is for non-whites only. It is nutty and irresponsible. They're trying to help BIPOCs by making them more at risk for disease, a disease for which BIPOCs are more likely to have worse outcomes.

Religious exemptions are irresponsible too.

 

[Politesse]

Cornell did say BIPOCs can apply for an exemption. The confusion is both Metaphor's fault and Cornell's. Metaphor does not link directly to page with the exemption, you have to go through several clicks to figure it out.

The exemption language is here. Health Requirements FAQ | Cornell Health

Are exemptions from Cornell's immunization requirements ever granted?

Immunization requirements are in place to protect the health of the community. Therefore, very few exemptions are allowed by New York State Public Health Law.* At present, two exemptions may be pursued: a medical exemption and a religious exemption.
IMPORTANT: Should you choose either form of exemption (medical or religious), please note that in the event of an outbreak of measles, mumps, or rubella on the Cornell campus, New York State law will require you to leave campus (even if you live in a Cornell residence hall or apartment or have a Cornell Dining contract) until the Tompkins County/New York State Health Department has declared it safe for you to return. You will not be permitted to attend classes, laboratories, exams, or paid or volunteer positions; or to participate in any other campus activity. Your own assessment of the risk your presence on campus might pose to you or others will not factor in their decision.
To qualify for an exemption, you must submit one of the following:

• Medical exemption: A medical exemption must be written by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner and state that a valid contraindication to vaccination exists. The exemption must specify which immunizations are contraindicated and why, and how long the medical contraindication will last.
  • Please upload your exemption documentation by logging in to myCornellHealth and selecting Messages & Pharmacy Services > New Message > Send a message or an attachment to Immunization Requirements.

• Religious exemption*: A religious exemption is a written and signed statement from the student that they object to immunization due to their religious beliefs (parent or guardian signature required of students less than 18 years of age). The statement must address all of the following elements:
  • Explain in your own words why you are requesting this religious exemption.
  • Describe the religious principles that guide your objection to immunization.
  • Indicate whether you are opposed to all immunizations, and if not, the religious basis that prohibits particular immunizations.
  • Upload your religious exemption request by logging in to myCornellHealth and selecting Messages & Pharmacy Services > New Message > Send a message or an attachment to Immunization Requirements.

Prior religious exemption statements addressed to other institutions are not considered valid.
*Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to immunization do not justify an exemption under New York State Public Health Law Section 2165.

• Other exemption (for *FLU VACCINATION* requirement only): Ithaca students with other concerns / extenuating circumstances may request an exemption from the Fall 2020 flu vaccination requirement that is part of the university's COVID-19 Behavioral Compact. (Learn more about why Cornell is requiring flu vaccination for students.) Students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a Person of Color (BIPOC) may have personal concerns about fulfilling the Compact requirements based on historical injustices and current events, and may find this information helpful in considering an exemption.
  • To apply for a non-medical/religious exemption to the flu vaccination requirement, students should send us a secure message through our patient portal explaining why you believe you should receive an exemption from this requirement. Log in to myCornellHealth and select Messages & Pharmacy Services > New Message > Send a message or an attachment to Immunization Requirements.

You can tell that this "other" exemption was a recent addition to the page because it contradicts the text in pink which says only a religious or medical exemption is allowed. Even worse this exemption contradicts the statement, "Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to immunization do not justify an exemption under New York State Public Health Law Section 2165." (even if that doesn't apply to the flu vaccine)

The text in bold is the exemption and it is for non-whites only. It is nutty and irresponsible. They're trying to help BIPOCs by making them more at risk for disease, a disease for which BIPOCs are more likely to have worse outcomes.

Religious exemptions are irresponsible too.

It literally says none of that... The only special thing "BIPOC" students get to do is navigate over to the other page, which tells them their concerns are "understood". None of that changes the fact that no "sociological exemptions" are allowed.

 

[blastula]

Once more.

Other exemption (for *FLU VACCINATION* requirement only): Ithaca students with other concerns / extenuating circumstances may request an exemption from the Fall 2020 flu vaccination requirement that is part of the university's COVID-19 Behavioral Compact. (Learn more about why Cornell is requiring flu vaccination for students.) Students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a Person of Color (BIPOC) may have personal concerns about fulfilling the Compact requirements based on historical injustices and current events, and may find this information helpful in considering an exemption.

 

[Metaphor]

Cornell did say BIPOCs can apply for an exemption. The confusion is both Metaphor's fault and Cornell's. Metaphor does not link directly to page with the exemption, you have to go through several clicks to figure it out.

The exemption language is here. Health Requirements FAQ | Cornell Health

Are exemptions from Cornell's immunization requirements ever granted?

Immunization requirements are in place to protect the health of the community. Therefore, very few exemptions are allowed by New York State Public Health Law.* At present, two exemptions may be pursued: a medical exemption and a religious exemption.
IMPORTANT: Should you choose either form of exemption (medical or religious), please note that in the event of an outbreak of measles, mumps, or rubella on the Cornell campus, New York State law will require you to leave campus (even if you live in a Cornell residence hall or apartment or have a Cornell Dining contract) until the Tompkins County/New York State Health Department has declared it safe for you to return. You will not be permitted to attend classes, laboratories, exams, or paid or volunteer positions; or to participate in any other campus activity. Your own assessment of the risk your presence on campus might pose to you or others will not factor in their decision.
To qualify for an exemption, you must submit one of the following:

• Medical exemption: A medical exemption must be written by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner and state that a valid contraindication to vaccination exists. The exemption must specify which immunizations are contraindicated and why, and how long the medical contraindication will last.
  • Please upload your exemption documentation by logging in to myCornellHealth and selecting Messages & Pharmacy Services > New Message > Send a message or an attachment to Immunization Requirements.

• Religious exemption*: A religious exemption is a written and signed statement from the student that they object to immunization due to their religious beliefs (parent or guardian signature required of students less than 18 years of age). The statement must address all of the following elements:
  • Explain in your own words why you are requesting this religious exemption.
  • Describe the religious principles that guide your objection to immunization.
  • Indicate whether you are opposed to all immunizations, and if not, the religious basis that prohibits particular immunizations.
  • Upload your religious exemption request by logging in to myCornellHealth and selecting Messages & Pharmacy Services > New Message > Send a message or an attachment to Immunization Requirements.

Prior religious exemption statements addressed to other institutions are not considered valid.
*Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to immunization do not justify an exemption under New York State Public Health Law Section 2165.

• Other exemption (for *FLU VACCINATION* requirement only): Ithaca students with other concerns / extenuating circumstances may request an exemption from the Fall 2020 flu vaccination requirement that is part of the university's COVID-19 Behavioral Compact. (Learn more about why Cornell is requiring flu vaccination for students.) Students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a Person of Color (BIPOC) may have personal concerns about fulfilling the Compact requirements based on historical injustices and current events, and may find this information helpful in considering an exemption.
  • To apply for a non-medical/religious exemption to the flu vaccination requirement, students should send us a secure message through our patient portal explaining why you believe you should receive an exemption from this requirement. Log in to myCornellHealth and select Messages & Pharmacy Services > New Message > Send a message or an attachment to Immunization Requirements.

You can tell that this "other" exemption was a recent addition to the page because it contradicts the text in pink which says only a religious or medical exemption is allowed. Even worse this exemption contradicts the statement, "Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to immunization do not justify an exemption under New York State Public Health Law Section 2165." (even if that doesn't apply to the flu vaccine)

The text in bold is the exemption and it is for non-whites only. It is nutty and irresponsible. They're trying to help BIPOCs by making them more at risk for disease, a disease for which BIPOCs are more likely to have worse outcomes.

Religious exemptions are irresponsible too.

It literally says none of that... The only special thing "BIPOC" students get to do is navigate over to the other page, which tells them their concerns are "understood". None of that changes the fact that no "sociological exemptions" are allowed.

What it literally says is

and may find this information helpful in considering an exemption.

Are you postulating that Cornell, in its 'other exemptions' category, after specifically addressing BIPOC and linking them to information that will help in considering an exemption, that Cornell will then dismiss it as a 'sociological' reason and disallow it?

 

[Metaphor]

Once more for the illiterate.

What is it you want to draw attention to?

 

[Politesse]

It literally says none of that... The only special thing "BIPOC" students get to do is navigate over to the other page, which tells them their concerns are "understood". None of that changes the fact that no "sociological exemptions" are allowed.

What it literally says is

and may find this information helpful in considering an exemption.

Are you postulating that Cornell, in its 'other exemptions' category, after specifically addressing BIPOC and linking them to information that will help in considering an exemption, that Cornell will then dismiss it as a 'sociological' reason and disallow it?

Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. The existence of the web page is the entire concession made to student concerns. It explicitly promises nothing other than "understanding" (and then basically shames them for having those concerns).

Racist? More than a little, but not in the way you mean.

 

[Metaphor]

What it literally says is



Are you postulating that Cornell, in its 'other exemptions' category, after specifically addressing BIPOC and linking them to information that will help in considering an exemption, that Cornell will then dismiss it as a 'sociological' reason and disallow it?

Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. The existence of the web page is the entire concession made to student concerns. It explicitly promises nothing other than "understanding".

If that really is the case (that Cornell will not accept BIPOC students exempting themselves after literally providing links to help them get an 'other' exemption), then Cornell's desire to virtue signal has completely fucked up communicating clearly to its student body.

Now, not allowing BIPOC an exemption just because they are BIPOC would be the correct course of action, but Cornell should make it very explicit, after they've published their virtue-signal, that BIPOC students will not be granted an exemption just on the basis that they are BIPOC.

EDIT: Also, it (Cornell) should remove the words "in considering an exemption" if that is not what they are going to be doing.

 

[Toni]

Once more.

Other exemption (for *FLU VACCINATION* requirement only): Ithaca students with other concerns / extenuating circumstances may request an exemption from the Fall 2020 flu vaccination requirement that is part of the university's COVID-19 Behavioral Compact. (Learn more about why Cornell is requiring flu vaccination for students.) Students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a Person of Color (BIPOC) may have personal concerns about fulfilling the Compact requirements based on historical injustices and current events, and may find this information helpful in considering an exemption.

Right.

Now show where that says that Cornell will accept being a POC as a valid reason for an exemption.

Hint: You cannot. If one troubles oneself to actually follow the link, the verbiage reiterates Cornell's recognition and regrets over past harms done to POC by the medical and scientific community and specifically addresses those concerns for any POC who is considering that history to be a reason to opt out. Basically they say: outrage at past wrongs is understandable and justified but not getting vaccinated puts you at additional risk.

 

[Politesse]

Now, not allowing BIPOC an exemption just because they are BIPOC would be the correct course of action, but Cornell should make it very explicit, after they've published their virtue-signal, that BIPOC students will not be granted an exemption just on the basis that they are BIPOC.

They did. It says right there in black and white that no sociological exemptions are allowed.

 

[Metaphor]

Once more.

Other exemption (for *FLU VACCINATION* requirement only): Ithaca students with other concerns / extenuating circumstances may request an exemption from the Fall 2020 flu vaccination requirement that is part of the university's COVID-19 Behavioral Compact. (Learn more about why Cornell is requiring flu vaccination for students.) Students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a Person of Color (BIPOC) may have personal concerns about fulfilling the Compact requirements based on historical injustices and current events, and may find this information helpful in considering an exemption.

Right.

Now show where that says that Cornell will accept being a POC as a valid reason for an exemption.

Hint: You cannot. If one troubles oneself to actually follow the link, the verbiage reiterates Cornell's recognition and regrets over past harms done to POC by the medical and scientific community and specifically addresses those concerns for any POC who is considering that history to be a reason to opt out. Basically they say: outrage at past wrongs is understandable and justified but not getting vaccinated puts you at additional risk.

Hint: Cornell says, in the section you are quoting, called 'other exemption':

and may find this information helpful in considering an exemption.

If Cornell meant 'we won't consider an exemption based on BIPOC personal concerns' then it has said it in a way where they've said the exact opposite.

 

[Toni]

What it literally says is



Are you postulating that Cornell, in its 'other exemptions' category, after specifically addressing BIPOC and linking them to information that will help in considering an exemption, that Cornell will then dismiss it as a 'sociological' reason and disallow it?

Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. The existence of the web page is the entire concession made to student concerns. It explicitly promises nothing other than "understanding".

If that really is the case (that Cornell will not accept BIPOC students exempting themselves after literally providing links to help them get an 'other' exemption), then Cornell's desire to virtue signal has completely fucked up communicating clearly to its student body.

Now, not allowing BIPOC an exemption just because they are BIPOC would be the correct course of action, but Cornell should make it very explicit, after they've published their virtue-signal, that BIPOC students will not be granted an exemption just on the basis that they are BIPOC.

EDIT: Also, it (Cornell) should remove the words "in considering an exemption" if that is not what they are going to be doing.

The link does not 'help' BIPOC students get exempted. It explains why, despite a long and horrendous history of wrongs at the hands of the scientific and medical community, BIPOC students should still be vaccinated because they are in fact, at more risk of serious illness.

In other words, your entire thread is one long exercise in outrage as attention seeking theater.

Maybe we should ask:

How are you doing, Metaphor? Have you and your family been well? How is your job going? I sincerely hope that you are doing well and enjoying a bit of sunshine and fresh air and getting the rest and relaxation you need, offset by just the right amount of intellectual and social stimulation and financial remuneration to optimize your health, happiness and well being. Read any good books lately?

 

[Politesse]

Right.

Now show where that says that Cornell will accept being a POC as a valid reason for an exemption.

Hint: You cannot. If one troubles oneself to actually follow the link, the verbiage reiterates Cornell's recognition and regrets over past harms done to POC by the medical and scientific community and specifically addresses those concerns for any POC who is considering that history to be a reason to opt out. Basically they say: outrage at past wrongs is understandable and justified but not getting vaccinated puts you at additional risk.

Hint: Cornell says, in the section you are quoting, called 'other exemption':

and may find this information helpful in considering an exemption.

If Cornell meant 'we won't consider an exemption based on BIPOC personal concerns' then it has said it in a way where they've said the exact opposite.

Yeah, they did. Because it's a bullshit concession to "concerns" rather than an actual policy change. I guarantee you no one involved expects the students to actually read this page, it was probably the result of an argument, maybe in the academic senate after worried faculty pointed out that their "BIPOC" students might object to forced vaccinations given the ugly history of the issue, maybe the reuslt of a written complaint by the Native Law advocacy students at the school. One way or another, the Cornell admins got worried their policy might be criticized, and wrote up this page to get them off the hook without actually promising a thing.

 

[blastula]

Once more.

Other exemption (for *FLU VACCINATION* requirement only): Ithaca students with other concerns / extenuating circumstances may request an exemption from the Fall 2020 flu vaccination requirement that is part of the university's COVID-19 Behavioral Compact. (Learn more about why Cornell is requiring flu vaccination for students.) Students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a Person of Color (BIPOC) may have personal concerns about fulfilling the Compact requirements based on historical injustices and current events, and may find this information helpful in considering an exemption.

Right.


Now show where that says that Cornell will accept being a POC as a valid reason for an exemption.


Hint: You cannot.

Yeah, I can.

"Students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a Person of Color (BIPOC) may have personal concerns about fulfilling the Compact requirements based on historical injustices and current events, and may find this information helpful in considering an exemption."

Try reading that again, especially the last word.

 

[Metaphor]

Now, not allowing BIPOC an exemption just because they are BIPOC would be the correct course of action, but Cornell should make it very explicit, after they've published their virtue-signal, that BIPOC students will not be granted an exemption just on the basis that they are BIPOC.

They did. It says right there in black and white that no sociological exemptions are allowed.

No, they did not. They added an 'other exemptions' category for flu vaccinations. They did not categorise BIPOC concern, an idea Cornell introduces, as a 'sociological' reason. If Cornell do not consider it a valid reason to get exempt, then as I've said its desire to virtue signal has trumped its desire to communicate clearly to students, and that 'other exemptions' paragraph should be edited to say "we do not provide other exemptions".

 

[Politesse]

Now, not allowing BIPOC an exemption just because they are BIPOC would be the correct course of action, but Cornell should make it very explicit, after they've published their virtue-signal, that BIPOC students will not be granted an exemption just on the basis that they are BIPOC.

They did. It says right there in black and white that no sociological exemptions are allowed.

No, they did not. They added an 'other exemptions' category for flu vaccinations. They did not categorise BIPOC concern, an idea Cornell introduces, as a 'sociological' reason. If Cornell do not consider it a valid reason to get exempt, then as I've said its desire to virtue signal has trumped its desire to communicate clearly to students, and that 'other exemptions' paragraph should be edited to say "we do not provide other exemptions".

If belonging to a subjugated class isn't a "sociological reason", what is?

And there is no valid "other exemption" category. They are addressing other reasons a person might claim exemption, not assuring them that such an exemption would be approved.

 

[Metaphor]

The link does not 'help' BIPOC students get exempted. It explains why, despite a long and horrendous history of wrongs at the hands of the scientific and medical community, BIPOC students should still be vaccinated because they are in fact, at more risk of serious illness.

In other words, your entire thread is one long exercise in outrage as attention seeking theater.

No, Toni.

Explain to me what Cornell means when it says

(BIPOC) may have personal concerns about fulfilling the Compact requirements based on historical injustices and current events, and may find this information helpful in considering an exemption.

If you interpret that to mean "we will not consider exemptions for BIPOC people as BIPOC", then that's a very strange way to say it, being that it says the opposite.

Maybe we should ask:

How are you doing, Metaphor? Have you and your family been well? How is your job going? I sincerely hope that you are doing well and enjoying a bit of sunshine and fresh air and getting the rest and relaxation you need, offset by just the right amount of intellectual and social stimulation and financial remuneration to optimize your health, happiness and well being. Read any good books lately?

That would be a derail, Toni.

 

[Toni]

Right.

Now show where that says that Cornell will accept being a POC as a valid reason for an exemption.

Hint: You cannot. If one troubles oneself to actually follow the link, the verbiage reiterates Cornell's recognition and regrets over past harms done to POC by the medical and scientific community and specifically addresses those concerns for any POC who is considering that history to be a reason to opt out. Basically they say: outrage at past wrongs is understandable and justified but not getting vaccinated puts you at additional risk.

Hint: Cornell says, in the section you are quoting, called 'other exemption':

and may find this information helpful in considering an exemption.

If Cornell meant 'we won't consider an exemption based on BIPOC personal concerns' then it has said it in a way where they've said the exact opposite.

Yeah, I actually read that link, which basically is trying to talk BIPOC students out of attempting to use historical wrongs as a reason to apply for an exemption.

 

[Politesse]

If you interpret that to mean "we will not consider exemptions for BIPOC people as BIPOC", then that's a very strange way to say it, being that it says the opposite.

If what they meant was "we will consider race a valid exemption" they would say "we will consider race a valid exemption", not "if you're a BIPOC, go read this web-page where it explains that the forced vaccination is for your own good really".

 

[Metaphor]

No, they did not. They added an 'other exemptions' category for flu vaccinations. They did not categorise BIPOC concern, an idea Cornell introduces, as a 'sociological' reason. If Cornell do not consider it a valid reason to get exempt, then as I've said its desire to virtue signal has trumped its desire to communicate clearly to students, and that 'other exemptions' paragraph should be edited to say "we do not provide other exemptions".

If belonging to a subjugated class isn't a "sociological reason", what is?

And there is no valid "other exemption" category. They are addressing other reasons a person might claim exemption, not assuring them that such an exemption would be approved.

If there is no valid "other exemption" category, what would it mean to qualify it with "flu vaccinations only"? Of course there is an 'other exemptions' category. It literally follows 'medical' and 'religious'.

Other exemption (for *FLU VACCINATION* requirement only): Ithaca students with other concerns / extenuating circumstances may request an exemption from the Fall 2020 flu vaccination requirement that is part of the university's COVID-19 Behavioral Compact.