LAUSD mandates COVID-19 vaccine for students and teachers
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) voted on a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for teachers and students on Sept. 9.
The LAUSD vaccination mandate requires school employees to be fully vaccinated by Oct. 15. Students 12 and older must have received their first dose of the vaccine by Oct. 3 and their second dose by Dec. 19 in order to participate in extracurricular activities.
A recent report shows that 1 in 5 district employees–about 12,000 employees– have not been vaccinated. According to records 3 weeks ago, 80,000 students were unvaccinated.
Unvaccinated employees who do not follow the mandate will be terminated from their jobs and unvaccinated students will be required to learn remotely.
Some employees may receive exemptions due to approved religious or medical concerns. Students, on the other hand, are only allowed medical exemptions.
Employees who receive exemptions and students who refuse vaccination turn to the City of Angels.
City of Angels is LAUSD’s remote learning program for students who do not feel comfortable returning to in-person classes. City of Angels is currently working to accommodate 15,000 students and does not have open positions for all teachers.
“I am not opposed to vaccinations,” said Jamal Y. Speakes, Sr., film production teacher at the Valley Oaks Center for Enriched Studies. “I am opposed to the mandate and how LAUSD is enforcing this as the only option. The thought of not being able to return to the classroom because of this mandate is disheartening.”
Despite the vaccination deadline to meet public health protocols, the percentage of workers getting vaccinated is expected to rise quickly above the current standing at 80%.
“Our goal is to keep kids and teachers as safe as possible, and in the classroom,” said Nick Melvoin, LAUSD board member. “A medical and scientific consensus has emerged that the best way to protect everyone in our schools and communities is for all those who are eligible to get vaccinated. This policy is the best way to make that happen.”
