ORU Students & Parents for bodily integrity and whole-person health

Dear ORU Health and Safety Task Force,

I am writing this letter to respectfully petition against the latest information that was emailed to ORU resident students on Tuesday, the 28th of July. The email stated that, "[A]ll campus residents will be required to complete a PCR or Antigen test for COVID-19 five to seven days before moving to campus" (ORU Health and Safety Task Force).

First, I want to respectfully state that I understand the reasons behind the guidelines that were first implemented known as the "ORU Wellness Check" along with wearing masks to be able to enter onto campus. However, to make COVID-19 test mandatory isn't something that I as a Christian will not take a stand for.

During this worldwide pandemic, I have kept informed about the high frequency of false-positive COVID-19 tests, which continue to be misrepresented by the media, along with the continuous reporting of positive results from individuals who haven't even taken the test. As a whole person student, I have a conflict within my spirit about the agenda that the government is pushing upon the American Citizens to receive such testing, especially when symptoms aren't shown and the individual has been following CDC guidelines and taking personal precautions.

Students who exhibit no symptoms and are following CDC guidelines by wearing a mask, social distancing, and are monitoring their temperature should not be required to take a PCR or Antigen test for COVID-19. Per CDC guidelines, it is not recommended to do "entry testing of all returning students, faculty, and staff." The CDC determined broad-based testing is not accurate on campuses due to lack of environmental controls and the school cannot limit student's interaction with the community.

Within the Fall 2020 Coronavirus Response Plan pamphlet, it reads students will not need to have proof of a negative COVID-19 test before moving in. If the school does require testing, they should provide funds or free testing access, as not all insurances cover the medical costs and not all students have the ability to pay for multiple tests throughout the school year.

As Christians, it is our duty to believe in healing and protect our Christian brothers and sisters' health by being responsible and wearing a mask, social distancing, and taking a wellness check, but as American citizens and residences, we also have a right to bodily integrity.

This is a petition requesting the ORU Health and Safety Task Force change their policy regarding the mandatory testing on people who show no symptoms. Mandating the COVID-19 test creates a conscientious religious objection, HIPPA violation, and goes against constitutional rights. All the students and parents below agree that such test should not be mandatory for the 2020-2021 school year.

Thank You,

ORU Students and Parents