US Merchant Marine Academy Rescinds COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

A midshipman walks across the campus of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., on Sept. 15, 2016. Frank Eltman/AP Photo

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York has rescinded its COVID-19 vaccine mandate shortly after Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) sent a letter to the academy’s superintendent claiming that the mandate violates federal law.

“As of March 10, 2023, [USMMA] has rescinded the requirement that midshipmen be vaccinated against COVID-19,” the U.S. Maritime Administration said in a statement. “Applicants for the Class of 2027 will be admitted without regard to their COVID-19 vaccination status.”