School Board affirms ‘the right of parents’ to make health care decisions for their children
Lee County parents can decide what vaccines, if any, their school-age children will receive.
The Lee County School Board adopted a resolution Tuesday that proponents say further supports parental rights concerning medical decisions.
The resolution, brought forward by Board member Armor Persons, received both support and opposition from both the board and community.
The resolution states that parents can determine, with consultation of health care providers, the course of action they believe is best for their children.
Board Attorney Kathy Dupuy-Bruno said the resolution affirms parental rights with language that says they should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss what is in the best interest of their child.
“The school board really has no standing to dictate law,” she said. “The legislature is going to be reviewing the Department of Health change regulation. This is basically affirming parental rights and we affirm the parent right to consult with a medical provider in terms of the best interest of their child.”
Board member Debbie Jordan voted against the resolution.
“While I appreciate what you have written here — as a parent and grandparent, I have never lost a right. That has been the way it has been my adult life. I always advocated for my children,” Jordan said, adding that the board has always spoke about following the law with parental rights. “You don’t need this. The state has already made it known what parental rights are. All parents have parental rights and parents do have the right to not vaccinate. In my heart, I could not do this.”
Although Board Member Melisa Giovannelli supported the resolution, she shared concern for those students who do not have the guidance.
“Who is going to protect those who don’t have that parental guidance? We know that exists — those students that don’t have an advocate. Anyone that knows their parental rights know they are going to exercise those,” she said.
Those from the community in opposition asked if the district deletes mandatory vaccinations, will they also abandon seat belts for children, or if a student catches a childhood disease that has been eradicated by vaccines comes back and affects older substitute teachers’ ultimate health. Persons read the resolution during the Tuesday night meeting. Verbiage includes that “parents are the primary decision makers regarding health, well-being, and upbringing of their children,” and “the liberty of parents to direct the upbringing, education, healthcare, and mental health of their minor children, is a fundamental right. The government entities may not infringe on the rights of parents.”
Other community members were in favor of giving the parents the ability to make the decision if their child needs a vaccine or not, as one doctor shared there is skepticism on vaccines and its safety because of concerns for long-term health ramifications related to autism and cancer.
“It seems reasonable that parents opt in for vaccines,” Dr. Edward Draus said. “The parents should make the decision and not the district. Removing the mandate is a reasonable measure.”
Persons said the resolution is about parental rights, not about whether or not you are for, or against vaccines.
“This should be a parent idea, not an institutional idea,” Board member Jada Langford-Fleming said. “This is just like a nonbinding resolution. It’s a formal letter of support to the legislature for parental rights and position of lifting vaccine mandates. I do believe that parents have the final say and they do know what is best for their child.”
Board member Vanessa Chaviano agreed that she believes a child’s health is a parent and family decision.
“It is our message on where we stand, but nothing changes tomorrow unless legislation changes,” she said. “We still have to comply with the current law. The law still states there are mandates.”
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