Sen. Thatcher: Online classes require vaccine proof?

BY Oregon State Senator Kim Thatcher,

Online university program requires COVID-19 vaccine proof
An Oregon student is facing termination from an online program at a Missouri university by Sept. 27

KEIZER, Ore. – Statement by Senator Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer:

“The state and federal government has undermined individual freedom by separating society into two categories: vaccinated and unvaccinated. The unvaccinated are routinely pressured to take the COVID-19 vaccine to participate in society.
“Medical and religious exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccine have been routinely ignored, forcing thousands of Americans to comply or face dire consequences such as, lost jobs, education and more.

“My office was contacted by an Oregonian enrolled in an online law school program at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. While this matter is ongoing in another state, it directly impacts my constituent. The Missouri program is remote and online, yet this student is must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or face termination by September 27, regardless of the student’s $32,000 financial investment. The student has contacted the Missouri Attorney General without success.”

Here is Washington University in St. Louis’ policy: ‘Students can qualify for an immunization exemption on the basis of religious or medical grounds. Forms must be completed by July 15, 2021. Medical/Religious exemptions are no longer being accepted for COVID vaccination requirements.’ Bold font included in university texts.

USA Today reports the general counsel and vice president of the American Council on Education as saying, “‘I don’t see the online alternative as something that’s going to be offered in most cases for somebody who makes a choice to not be vaccinated.’”

Senator Thatcher continued, “I issue this press release today to call attention to the unscientific standards of COVID-19 rules. This student is in an online program in another state, but by virtue of being online, transmission of COVID-19 is not possible. It is wrong for an educational institution to exclude students based on vaccination status. This is not about health and safety; this is about control.

“I refuse to stand by and watch as our constitutional rights and liberties are endangered by oppressive policies that require Americans to take an unproven substance to take part in society. Equal protection under the Constitution is still the right of every American.”