Miami University of Ohio retracts exemption conditions

Another legal victory: conditions now waived in request for exemption Butler County, Case no. CV 2021-10-1467 Judge Howard

Jennifer Siliko wanted an exemption but refused to agree to the conditions Miami University wanted to impose on those requesting the exemption. With our help, she filed for an injunction against Miami University. The University blinked withdrawing the conditions. There should either be an exemption or not. The relationship between employer and employee should not be leveraged for advantage due to one’s religious belief. The following are the conditions Miami University sought to impose on its staff:

Faculty and Unclassified Staff Request for Non-Medical Exemption from COVID-19 Vaccination

Provide a personal written statement detailing why you are requesting this exemption, outlining the religious, philosophical, or ethical beliefs that you feel prohibit you from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and the basis for those beliefs.

I request exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirements due to my sincere religious beliefs or for reasons of conscience (philosophical or ethical reasons). I understand and assume the risks of non-vaccination.

[I agree \/]

I accept full responsibility for my health, and the risk of serious illness and even death due to lack of vaccination and release Miami University from any and all responsibility and liability.

[I agree \/]

Because I am not vaccinated, in order to protect my own health and the health of the community, I will comply with assigned COVID-19 testing requirements, education and other preventive guidance (e.g. wearing a mask indoors)

[I agree \/]

I understand that in the event of exposure to an outbreak or threatened outbreak, I may be reassigned to other job duties or temporarily excluded or reassigned from Miami University’s facilities and activities (including but not limited to University owned Residence Halls).

[I agree \/]

I agree to comply with these restrictions and accept responsibility for communicating with supervisors, Human Resources/Academic Personnel, as appropriate to allow compliance with health and safety requirements for unvaccinated individuals.

[I agree \/]

If I contract COVID-19, I will immediately report it and will comply with all isolation and quarantine procedures specified by my local health department and remove myself from the University community if so advised.

[I agree \/]

I acknowledge that I have read the CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Information.

[I agree \/]

I understand and agree to comply with and abide by all University COVID-19 policies and procedures.

[I agree \/]

I understand that, if approved, this exception is only valid for the current academic year, and I am required to resubmit a new request for any subsequent academic year(s).

[I agree \/]

I certify that the information I have provided in connection with this request is accurate and complete as of the date of this submission. I understand this exemption may be revoked and I may be subject to disciplinary action if any of the information provided in support of this exemption is false.

[I agree \/]

By selecting I agree and the Request button below, I understand and agree that I am submitting this document electronically and that it is the legal equivalent of having placed my handwritten signature on the submitted document.

Agreeing to this makes employees vulnerable to discipline and firing. Similar conditions are being imposed by large entities-public and private. There are obviously legal issues without this. But the best choice is to stand your ground. Don’t be bullied into becoming vulnerable.