I was sitting on my back porch enjoying my morning coffee,

I didn’t want to look at my phone, but I did. “How do you refuse the vaccine?” the text pleaded.  It was from my next door neighbor.   I called her. 

Then, she informed me she had just received a disturbing email. It was from her daughter’s University. “They are requiring all students to get the COVID 19 vaccination,” she explained.  Consequently, the frantic text that made me shiver… came to life.

So, I asked her to send me the email. 

It began with this statement: 

“Beginning with the fall 2021 semester, the COVID-19 vaccine will be required for all University students intending to be present in person for classes and all other campus activities. This is consistent with existing University policies that require students to be vaccinated for a wide range of diseases.”

Cosequently, the ramifications to students refusing to get vaccinated are even more concerning. Further, unvaccinated students have to mask and social distance at all times.  No unvaccinated student is eligible for any cost associated with testing, quarantine, isolation, or medical treatment if contracting COVID19.  And, unvaccinated students that need to leave the campus due to COVID19 wouldn’t receive refunds.   

What really blew me away was the HYPOCRISY of this University! 

They are mandating vaccination for students but their faculty news site states:  ‘The University strongly urges every employee-faculty and staff alike-to acquire the COVID-19 vaccine’. A double standard? Absolutely!

Unfortunately, many parents and students are facing a harsh back to school reality. Vaccination mandates are being instituted in schools across the country. The rules and precepts vary from state to state. But, YOU and ONLY YOU have the right to decide what is best for your child. Many schools and universities are private entities. Aditionally, they may have the right to set policy.  However, individuals also have rights.  

Here is what to remember:

• To be sure, remember the current vaccinations available are Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) products and are by definition experimental.  Under the Nuremberg Code, no one may be coerced or forced to participate in a medical experiment.
• The federal government’s authority to institute a general vaccine mandate is unclear, and has not yet been tested in the courts, though it is likely limited at best.
• All states have school vaccination requirements for children, subject to exemptions.
• Document and keep all emails, letters and correspondence to any school or institution.

Thus, after much deliberation, my neighbor helped her daughter apply for an exemption.  Lastly, they drafted and sent a letter to the University reiterating their position on vaccination refusal.  Ever since, they have been in touch with an attorney and connected with other families willing to stand firm.

However, there is a community of support and resources to help parents and students. Because of this, navigating through this unprecedented back to school situation can be addressed.  

Just remember to put prayer and perseverance at the forefront!