An open letter to Cornell University opposing the school's vaccine mandate received over 700 signatures. 

According to The Ithaca Voice, the letter addresses University President Martha Pollack and the Cornell Board of Trustees. On behalf of 921 students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff, the letter requests the university reconsider its booster mandate and instead make it a recommendation. 

Pollock addressed the concerns during the university's faculty and staff town hall meeting on Jan. 12. She said she understands COVID-19 will inevitably spread on campus, but plans to prevent serious illness in order to provide students with the best possible on-campus experience. 

Towards the end of December, Cornell University announced it would require all students, faculty and staff to receive a COVID-19 booster by Jan. 30. The new mandate came after the university experienced an outbreak of the Omicron variant on campus during its fall semester. Approximately 1,600 people tested positive, despite the university's 97% vaccination rate. 

To view the full letter to Pollack and the Board of Trustees, click here.