Parents throughout California are taking a stand by keeping their children home from school to protest the state’s pioneering vaccine mandate for public education.
While there have been promising developments in the fight against COVID-19, such as a decrease in hospitalizations and a high vaccination rate among eligible Americans, certain communities continue to resist the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness. This resistance is now affecting schools and disrupting students’ education across California.
In response to the state’s mandate requiring all in-person students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine once approved for their age group, parents have organized “sit outs” and “walk outs.” The mandate is anticipated to apply to children aged 5-12 by early November.
After enduring a year and a half of educational interruptions, including a hasty shift to online learning and subsequent outbreaks, these parents are introducing yet another barrier to their children’s education by protesting against life-saving vaccines.
California has a long history of requiring vaccinations for school attendance, which now includes the COVID-19 vaccine alongside other necessary immunizations for diseases like measles and mumps. Parents who opt out of vaccinations can still engage in “independent learning,” allowing them to continue their studies online while protecting their peers from potential illness.
“It’s irrational to protest something that will ultimately make our community, and especially our kids, safer,” remarked parent Lisa Thompson in an interview.
Governor Tom Harris expressed similar sentiments during the announcement of the mandate, stating, “We are all eager to put an end to this pandemic.”
The implementation of California’s vaccine mandate will occur in phases, beginning with older students. The initial requirements for those in grades 7-12 are expected to take effect by July 2022. Meanwhile, several major school districts, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and Oakland, have already set their own vaccine requirements for in-person learners.
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