I write in opposition to the proposed mandate that all teachers - in both public and private schools - and all students - public, private and homeschooled be vaccinated against Covid-19. I especially find the lack of a religious exemption to be unduly onerous. As a free society it is crucial that we allow individuals to make alternate choices and live their lives in ways that align with their moral and religious commitments. As part of a commitment which allows persons and communities of people to live out their consciences restrictions or compulsions to meet a compelling interest of the government should minimize coercion.  A mandate with no religious exemption which applies to all students does not meet this criteria. The current childhood vaccination program which allows religious exemption is adequate for other childhood vaccinations and so should be adequate for Covid-19 vaccination. 

A second concern I have is because of the new and highly controversial nature of the Covid vaccine a mandate on such a broadscale will cause further division in our culture and body politic. I feel like there are most likely better ways to achieve a decrease in transmission in schools. If the need for a vaccine develops as it has for influenza a new vaccine every year will be mandated and that will just inflame feelings on an annual basis. 

As an alternative - Rapid and easily available testing like that which is available in Europe will most likley be available in the United States soon. Perhaps the unvaccinated could be asked to take a rapid covid test at any exposure or indication of symtpoms. Tests in use in Europe catch 98% of infectious cases and would prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Schools. Admittedly this requires more trust than a vaccine mandate but perhaps a little more trust and a less charged atmosphere would beenfit us all.