Western Michigan University (WMU) reached a settlement with 16 athletes on Tuesday, allowing them to compete in sports without getting the COVID-19 vaccine. The public university also agreed to pay plaintiffs their legal fees of $34,617. “We are pleased that WMU has agreed to resolve this matter, that our clients’ religious convictions were vindicated, and that they can continue to be part of their teams, be with their teammates, and compete for WMU at the highest level in a safe manner,” David Kallman, senior counsel with the Great Lakes Justice Center, said in a statement. The Great Lakes Justice Center represented the 16 athletes. They are from different sports teams, such as football, baseball, women’s basketball, women’s soccer, and others. In August, WMU required its student-athletes to receive COVID-19 vaccines. However, the public university didn’t ask its general students to do so. Following the requirement, 16 student-athletes applied for religious exemptions but …