Letter to Hon. Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education - Georgia Republicans Oppose Federal Vaccine Mandate for Schools
Letter
Dear Secretary Cardona,
We write to express strong disapproval of President Biden's Path Out of the Pandemic COVID19 Action Plan's suggestion that vaccinations should be required for students in K-12 schools
and post-secondary institutions. As the Secretary of the United States Department of Education,
we ask you to uphold the right to make personal health care decisions and oppose vaccination
mandates on K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions.
Parents know what is best for their children, and college-aged adults can make their own health
care choices. The federal government should never infringe on personal freedoms or health care
choices. Thankfully, sixteen states have prohibited vaccination mandates for students --
protecting their individual liberties and privacy.
Let us be clear -- the federal government should not put itself in between patients, parents and
their children, and their doctor. States like Georgia have led the way in protecting lives and
livelihoods through a thoughtful, balanced approach. Since the beginning of the pandemic,
Georgia has prioritized a safe reopening of schools while maintaining individual freedom and
protecting patient privacy. Students have suffered greatly during the pandemic -- we should not
bring further strife or disrupt their lives and education even more with vaccination mandates.
In Georgia, over 5.8 million individuals have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose
as of October 1st. Moreover, millions more Georgian's likely have natural immunity from
COVID-19. The State of Georgia, and Governor Brian P. Kemp, have ensured vaccinations are
easily accessible for those who desire one. COVID-19 vaccination status is private health
information, and an individual should not be compelled by the government to divulge their status
outside of the patient-physician privilege. Furthermore, students and teachers can wear masks,
face shields, and social distance should they feel additional protective measures are necessary.
We continue to encourage Georgians to speak with their doctor about the vaccine, which came
about through President Donald J. Trump's Operation Warp Speed initiative. But Georgians,
especially students, should never be forced by the federal government to take a vaccine with
which they are not comfortable.
We look forward to hearing from you on your plans to protect individual liberty and patient
privacy in the school setting.
Sincerely,
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter
Member of Congress
Rick W. Allen
Member of Congress
Austin Scott
Member of Congress
Drew Ferguson
Member of Congress
Barry Loudermilk
Member of Congress
Marjory Taylor Greene
Member of Congress
Andrew Clyde
Member of Congress
Jody Hice
Member of Congress
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