On Saturday, the College of the Redwoods Board of Trustees approved Resolution 782 authorizing the President/Superintendent to implement a mandatory vaccination policy for the College of the Redwoods community.
“We have tried different ways to encourage our employees and students to get vaccinated. However, with the rapid and alarming rise of local infections, hospitalization and deaths, and with the number of people in our area who have refused to get vaccinated, regardless of the science underlying the vaccines, it was clearly time for the college to institute a mandate,” said CR President Keith Flamer.
The policy requires all employees and student workers to show proof of vaccination by September 30 2021, Additionally, all students will be required to be vaccinated by the beginning of the Spring 2022 semester, unless they are attending CR remotely and will not be on campus for any face-to-face instruction or student services. CR will also allow exceptions for medical reasons, disability, or sincerely held religious beliefs.
The Board’s action was taken at the recommendation of President Flamer and was guided by recommendations from the Humboldt County Department of Public Health, California Department of Public Health and the CDC, stating that vaccination is the most effective way available to prevent and mitigate transmission, and limit COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths.
"The Board of Trustees does not take this decision lightly,” said Danny Kelly, president of the CR Board. “Unfortunately, given the alarming rate of COVID surge and breakthrough cases in our region we must take decisive action immediately to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for our students.”
The College is aware that some individuals may be reluctant to receive the vaccine. To help dispel some myths and to explain the science behind the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and the FDA approval process, listen to the latest episode of the CR Podcast, “What’s the Issue with…Vaccines” with CR microbiology professor Dr. Diqui LaPenta and nursing professor Melody Pope. It is available on our website at redwoods.edu/Podcast, on Spotify, and wherever else you get your podcasts.
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