Senator Theis’ statement is as follows:
Despite all of the conversation to the contrary, these bills aren’t just about vaccines. They’re about treating our children differently when the parents choose to opt them out of an authorized vaccine. Also, about making sure that the children have access to a constitutionally-mandated education, that it be available to them.
Today before us is a package of bills that would ensure that parents—not school administrators—have the final say over their children’s health. Together with the Senators from the 21st and 24th districts, we introduced these bills regardless of the efficacy of masks and vaccines at combating COVID-19 because the parents are responsible for their children’s health and well-being, not the bureaucracy. Access to free public education is a guaranteed right in our State Constitution. A child should never be denied access to their constitutional rights over a governmental policy. We should remember that public schools are government entities and as such are held to the same standards as any other public institution, ultimately accountable to the people of Michigan.
A few months ago, members of this legislative body called efforts to prohibit vaccine mandates absurd, saying there was no way government would create these mandates. My, what a difference a few weeks make. Now it’s perfectly acceptable for parents to be required to co-parent with the government because it fits a political narrative. Just because you disagree with another parent’s decision, you have no right to make that decision for them.
To be clear, COVID-19 does not discriminate between Republicans and Democrats, it’s not a partisan virus, and it has affected us all. But instead of bringing us together, forcing vaccines and mask mandates upon our citizens has driven us further apart. There is data that show the areas with strict mandates do not have better outcomes than those without, yet strict mandates that ignore natural immunity, ignore religious and conscientious objections, and fail to account for individual health concerns is the direction being taken by our universities, major corporations, and even our federal government. The recent executive mandate working its way through OSHA’s rule promulgation process has heightened the divide and further politicized the COVID-19 response. Interestingly, this is speaking to human nature rather than the efficacy of masks or vaccines themselves. Americans are an independent group. We react accordingly.
Together this package would prohibit schools from requiring an emergency use COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of attending public school; riding a school bus; attending a school-sponsored event; or participating in school sports, band, theater, or other activities. Once approved, under current law the vaccine must be subject to a waiver process stipulated in statute that currently exists for other vaccines. It also prohibits schools from discriminating between vaccinated and unvaccinated students and prohibits schools from requiring that a parent receive a vaccination in order to attend a school board meeting. The package would require that schools that implement a face mask requirement provide an opt-out provision for students to attend school, ride the bus, or participate in any activities. It would also prohibit schools from discriminating between those students who have requested or received a waiver and those who have not. It prohibits schools from testing asymptomatic students for them to be able to attend school, ride the bus, or participate in activities. Further, it prohibits the school from requiring someone who is asymptomatic from being tested for COVID-19 in order to attend a school board meeting. Finally, I’d like to note that this is consistent with the actual risk associated for this population group. Their parents, their family members, who are adults, already have the option and access to vaccines should they choose to get it.
I ask that you join me in supporting this important package.
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 601, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” (MCL 380.1 to 380.1852) by adding sections 1136a and 1136b.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows: