CARBONDALE, Ill. (WSIL) -- A Southern Illinois University Carbondale student is facing further disciplinary action after not submitting COVID-19 test results to the school.
Jagger Fenton is a senior studying mechanical engineering and drives 90 minutes every day from Bluford to get to class.
But by the end of the week he may not have a class to go to.
"There wasn't really any talk as far as what the repercussions would be," Fenton said.
SIU sent emails to students in August reminding them to get vaccinated or submit weekly COVID-19 test results to the school, Fenton says.
Fenton refused to do both because he hasn't felt any symptoms.
"I wouldn't say I'm anti-vax. I'm more so just pro-choice and support people's rights," Fenton said. "This is a violation of rights to due process and conscience."
After ignoring numerous emails from the university, the school informed Fenton last week that he was placed on disciplinary probation for failing to provide weekly test results.
But Fenton says probation is a penalty for passing up the vaccine.
"Even though they're not straight up saying that they're forcing the students to get the vaccine, they're pushing it very hard," Fenton said.
But SIU Dean of Students Jennifer Jones-Hall says they're following Gov. JB Pritzker's vaccine mandate.
"Two choices: get vaccinated or be in a testing protocol," Jones-Hall said.
SIU has about 8,500 students who are attending classes in-person, Jones-Hall says. About 6,000 are fully vaccinated while less than 12% of students are under testing protocols.
Jones-Hall added she's only taken two complaints from students who refused to get vaccinated or get tested. Jones-Hall could not comment on whether Fenton was one of those students.
"We as a university are following through for the safety of our students and our staff and the community with the governor's mandate," Jones-Hall said. "We've had great success so far."
Fenton has until Friday to provide test results or face interim suspension. That means Fenton won't be allowed inside of his classes.
Fenton reached out to his professors for assistance, with two saying they'd offer accommodations through remote learning.
Fenton hopes the school can do more to help students who make their own personal choices.
"I make sure to comply with CDC guidelines and then do my thing and go home," Fenton said.
Fenton hopes to graduate next spring.
