For Elizabeth Kostal, the last 18 months have been “utterly terrifying.” The nursing and health sciences professor at South University in Virginia Beach has such severe heart and lung issues, she has a pacemaker. So when a deadly virus started circulating the globe in early 2020, Kostal feared for her future. COVID-19 forced the education world to pivot, moving classes online and shuttering campuses across the country. Kostal breathed a sigh of relief. But now, as most colleges plan not just a return to campus but a required return for faculty and staff, Kostol is worried again. She’s got plenty of company. In late July she filed an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint after her request to continue with remote work was denied, which she and her attorney say is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act; a lawsuit against the school could follow. Many employees are asking universities to require the vaccine or let them work from home – and not hearing much in response. Meanwhile, colleges are pushing for workers to recreate the residential, on-campus experience traditional students are used to. And as the start of the term gets closer, Kostal says she’s heard from numerous colleagues, many of whom have reached out to thank her for taking a stand, telling her they fear retaliation if they were to voice their fears. Currently, South University is not requiring students or staff to be vaccinated.