Only 30% of NMSU students submit vaccination proof by deadline

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - Initial data from New Mexico State University shows just more than 30% of students submitted vaccination proof by the Sept. 30 deadline.

“We’re not where we want to be with our vaccinated students," admitted Jon Webster, the university's Covid-19 project manager. "We want to make sure we’re protecting all of our students.”

A total of 28,000 students and staffers must comply with the new rule. Those who failed to submit proof of vaccination must undergo weekly Covid-19 testing or leave the university.

According to the numbers released Friday afternoon, 72.3% of NMSU employees had submitted their proof of vaccination by Thursday night. That number includes more than 3,250 staffers out of 4,500 across the system.

Across campus, many applauded the new mandate.

"I kind of wish they hadn’t waited until six or seven weeks into the semester to do it, but I think it is a great thing," said Jamie Bronstein, who teaches history at NMSU. "It’s supporting a healthy environment.”

“I understand the difference of opinion," added student Joel Ramos. "Everyone has their right to their own opinions, but when it comes to the health and safety of others, let's not be selfish."

"I think it's better to be vaccinated," said Mohammed Hosseini, who got his second shot on Friday. Hosseini, an international student, said he was not yet eligible for the vaccine in Iran when he left for the United States.

At least one NMSU employee has publicly opposed the mandate. Suspended NMSU Professor David Clements uploaded a video to alternative media site Rumble with the title "Law Professor REFUSES to MASK UP or get the JAB."

When asked if NMSU was prepared to lose a number of students or staffers, Webster said "we will do whatever’s necessary, but we need to make sure that we keep them all complied.”

The university may have set a Sept. 30 deadline, but Webster said students can get vaccinated at any point in the semester and stop the weekly required testing.

"You do have to wait until you're fully vaccinated to stop submitting the weekly test, but it's not too late," Webster said.