Vaccine mandates may be opposed by FUHSD

Rick Monroe

Special to the Village News

Numerous parents once again spoke out against proposed student COVID-19 vaccine mandates at the school board meeting of the Fallbrook Unified High School District Monday, Jan. 24.

There were so many parents wishing to address the board that President Eddie Jones made a motion to allow three additional speakers during the public comments after the allocated time limit was exceeded.

One of the things parents opposed to the mandates wanted was for the district to send a resolution to the state, stating the district’s opposition to parents not having a choice about health decisions for their children. It’s a request that has been made for weeks.

Near the conclusion of the three-hour meeting, after many of the parents went home, Vice President Diane Summers said she wanted the board to consider what the parents wanted, a resolution in opposition to mandates. She asked that the district’s attorney be available to advise the board regarding the wording and that the board consider taking action. The next board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 7.

“We don’t feel we’re being heard,” parent Danielle Kendall told the board during public comments. “We want our voices heard.”

Another speaker, Ginny Merrifield from a parents’ coalition in San Diego, spoke with a group of local parents standing by her side. “We have a simple request,” she said. “Listen and respond. Parents are feeling betrayed.”

Other parents said trustees of the Bonsall Unified School District voted unanimously at their January meeting to prepare a similar resolution.

Later in the meeting of the FUHSD, Superintendent Ilsa Garza-Gonzalez reminded parents that neither the school nor state has a mandate regarding vaccines.

However, mandates directed by Gov. Gavin Newsom are pending implementation in the fall, and parents warned about newly proposed state legislation that would be even harsher than what Newsom has announced.

Two bills are being proposed in the state Legislature. Senate Bill 871 by Sen. Richard Pan from Sacramento would add COVID-19 to the list of required inoculations for attending K-12 schools. There would be minimal exceptions allowed.

The other bill, SB-866, would permit children 12 and older to choose to be vaccinated without a parent’s consent or knowledge.

Newsom’s mandate, announced in October, does not take effect until after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration fully approves the vaccination for children ages 12 and older.