The University of Michigan ordered on July 30, 2021 that all students faculty, staff, and students at all campuses must be vaccinated, calling it the "primary and most effective tool" to bring COVID-19 under control.

While COVID vaccinations may benefit individuals, U-M’s case-number data does not appear to support the claim they are an effective tool for limiting its spread.

The campus vaccination rate in January 2021 was 0% and there were 625 student cases on campus that month. As of Jan. 18, 2022, the vaccination rate was 98% and there were already 1,769 student cases for the month, according to U-M’s. dashboard. The January 2022 case figures are preliminary and likely to increase, according to U-M.

Officials said the following in the university's July statement ordering vaccinations, which also applies to individuals who work or study remotely:

“Widespread vaccination is the primary and most effective tool that will bring the COVID-19 pandemic under control and it is the key to a vibrant and engaging academic year.”

The university announced Dec. 17, 2021 it will also require COVID-19 booster shots by Feb. 4 at all campuses for all faculty, staff and students.

Midland Public Schools Superintendent Michael Sharrow sent an email to parents on Jan. 20 to dispel a rumor the district had placed litter boxes in school restrooms for students who identified as animals.

“It is unconscionable that this afternoon I am sending this communication,” Sharrow wrote. “Let me be clear in this communication. There is no truth whatsoever to this false statement/accusation! There have never been litter boxes within MPS schools.”

The rumor circulated after a resident stated at the Dec. 20 board of education meeting that litter boxes were placed in student restrooms for children who identify themselves as “furries.”

The website WedMD states, “Furries are people who have an interest in anthropomorphic animals, or animals with human qualities. Many furries create their own animal character, known as a fursona, which functions as their avatar within furry communities. ... The community itself is known for its diversity and acceptance. One-third of the furry community identifies as exclusively heterosexual, and furries are five times as likely to identify as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, pansexual) than the general population.”