Senate Committee Reports Bans on Mandates

Liz Gullett

Sep 17, 2021

Schools wouldn’t be allowed to require masks or vaccines not approved by the FDA under a bill package reported by the Senate Education and Career Readiness Committee this week. Currently, there are guidelines under which a child may request a waiver from a mask requirement. However, under the bills a parent could simply request their child be waived from the policy. The waiver would extend beyond the school day, to include school-related activities. Additionally, the bills would prohibit schools from requiring asymptomatic students from being tested for COVID-19.

During the contentious hearing, parents speaking in support of the package expressed their view that such mandates infringe on their rights as parents to make decisions for their children. Several organizations submitted cards in opposition to the legislation, including the Michigan Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics, the Michigan Association of School Boards, the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators, as well as the Michigan Department of Education. Ultimately, the four bills were reported along party lines and sent to the Senate floor for consideration.

Under current Michigan law, students are required to present their immunization records to school officials. There are currently six vaccinations that are required of students in Michigan schools, under the Public Health Code. For more information on the current state requirements, please click here.

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