In a notable shift, the President of the American Federation of Teachers, Linda Harper, has publicly expressed support for vaccine mandates for educators. This change comes as a response to the rising concerns surrounding the Delta variant of the coronavirus. “Out of a sense of personal responsibility, we must collaborate with employers on vaccine mandates instead of resisting them,” Harper stated during an interview with a prominent news outlet. She highlighted the alarming spread of the variant, which has been deemed as contagious as chickenpox by health officials.
The AFT, which has 1.7 million members across the United States, is the second-largest teachers union in the country. Harper noted that the education sector currently boasts one of the highest vaccination rates among professions. “Immunizations in schools are not a new concept,” she remarked, acknowledging that most of her members have already been vaccinated.
Previously, Harper had maintained that while vaccines are critical in combating the virus, she did not support mandatory vaccinations for teachers. However, she emphasized that the current situation has prompted her to rethink her position. “The circumstances have evolved,” she said. “It weighs heavily on me that children under 12 are ineligible for vaccination. I felt compelled to advocate for this change as a matter of personal conscience.” Harper also stated that if employers implement mandates, they should allow for religious and medical exemptions.
According to recent data from the White House, nearly 90% of educators and school staff are vaccinated. However, a survey from the EdWeek Research Center indicated that about 11% of teachers remain unvaccinated. In comparison, roughly 71% of adults in the U.S. have received at least one vaccine dose.
Becky Trimble, President of the National Education Association, the largest teachers union, has similarly encouraged everyone eligible to get vaccinated but has refrained from endorsing a mandate. President Joe Biden announced last month that federal employees would be required to get vaccinated to maintain their employment, yet the debate continues across the nation. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has criticized states like Florida and Texas for prohibiting local districts from mandating masks, asserting that vaccination and mask-wearing should not be politicized. As COVID-19 cases surge, Louisiana has reported record hospitalizations.
“There are various ways to accommodate different needs, which is why collaboration on vaccine policies is essential,” Harper concluded.
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Summary:
Linda Harper, the President of the American Federation of Teachers, has shifted her stance to support vaccine mandates for educators, citing concerns over the Delta variant’s spread. While most educators are already vaccinated, a small percentage remain unvaccinated. The debate over vaccination policies continues amid rising COVID-19 cases.
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