KSD Vaccine Exemptions Come With Conditions, ‘Threat’ of Dismissal

In the last 24 hours, we've obtained an actual email from the Kennewick School District, the same basic standard one sent to workers who have had their vaccine exemptions granted (religious or otherwise).

It's pretty standard, but there are two stringent requirements for those who are exempted. It also contains language about consequences for failing to follow the additional guidelines.  The email reads in part:

1. "Stricter distancing requirements: In accordance with Labor & Industries (L & I) guidelines, strive to maintain 6-foot physical distancing from others to the extent feasible within your job assignment.
2. Higher level of PPE/Face Covering: In accordance with Labor & Industries (L & I) guidelines, wear a disposable medical procedure mask, surgical mask or KN95 mask, except while actively eating/drinking. The District will provide these masks for you upon request."

The email, which is signed-tagged with Human Resources, Kennewick School District, also contains this: 

 

"The above requirements must be followed at all times. Willful non-compliance in adhering to these required accommodations may result in discipline, up to and including termination of employment.

 

If your vaccination status changes, please notify Human Resources and provide the appropriate documentation."

 

It appears at least in KSD that some workers have been able to obtain such an exemption, and while these are specific extra mandates, they don't appear to be excessive. Some school districts and/or businesses are even adopting weekly COVID testing for exempted workers. However, it does contain the lines about dismissal for refusal to follow the extra guidelines.

The entire email is re-printed below:

From: HR <HR@ksd.org>
Date: October 14, 2021 at 4:09:14 PM PDT
Subject: Accommodations for Approved Exemptions

Hello-

 

As you are aware, Governor Inslee announced a directive (Proclamation 21-14.1) requiring all employees working for public and private K–12 schools to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain a religious or medical exemption by October 18, 2021.

 

Your request for a religious/medical exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination has been approved. When you applied for your exemption, you were notified that the district must determine appropriate reasonable accommodations to provide to employees with approved exemptions.

 

It is the duty of the Kennewick School District to ensure that the workplace and learning environment remains safe and healthy for our employees and students. Accommodations for employees with approved exemptions are designed to provide additional layers of safety and protection for non-vaccinated employees.

 

Therefore, beginning on October 19th, employees who are not vaccinated are required to adhere to the following accommodations:

 

1. Stricter distancing requirements: In accordance with Labor & Industries (L & I) guidelines, strive to maintain 6-foot physical distancing from others to the extent feasible within your job assignment.
2. Higher level of PPE/Face Covering: In accordance with Labor & Industries (L & I) guidelines, wear a disposable medical procedure mask, surgical mask or KN95 mask, except while actively eating/drinking. The District will provide these masks for you upon request.

The above requirements must be followed at all times. Willful non-compliance in adhering to these required accommodations may result in discipline, up to and including termination of employment.

 

If your vaccination status changes, please notify Human Resources and provide the appropriate documentation.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Human Resources

Kennewick School District