Over the past few months, Massachusetts Family Institute has helped multiple people who have been discriminated against due to their religious objections to taking certain vaccines. These included a mom who was told she could no longer bring her kids to the doctor if she didn’t get them vaccinated and a nursing student who was going to be kicked out of her program for trying to get a religious accommodation. Even though the COVID pandemic might be a thing of the past, the anti-religious bigotry that went along with the lockdowns and mandates is very much still with us.
We are pleased to report that MLLC was able to help another Christian nursing student push back against unjust religious discrimination. After applying and being accepted into a nursing program, this student was just weeks away from starting classes and was excited to advance in her career. But at the last minute, the community college she had enrolled at gave her an ultimatum: Get the COVID vaccination or get out. When she emailed back asking for a religious accommodation, they simply took her off their student lists.
When this student reached out to us for help, we took immediate action. We quickly contacted the college’s attorney and explained that Massachusetts law entitled our client to a religious accommodation – and that no one can be excluded from an education just because of their religious beliefs. Thankfully, the college agreed and reenrolled her the next week.
It shouldn’t take a call from a lawyer to receive an education free from religious discrimination. But unfortunately, that is still the reality for many students in Massachusetts whose conscience won’t allow them to receive certain vaccines. If you or someone you know has been denied an education or other opportunities due to your religious beliefs, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out at contact@malibertylegal.org.