In the near the future, I will introduce legislation aimed at banning vaccine mandates at colleges and universities across Pennsylvania. The primary objective of this initiative is to ensure that higher education remains accessible to all students, irrespective of their vaccination status, while safeguarding individuals’ rights to make personal medical decisions for themselves and their families without the threat of educational restrictions or denial of educational access.
 
Although vaccine mandates were implemented to bolster public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous reports have emerged detailing adverse reactions linked to mRNA vaccines, including myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), blood clotting, and other severe side effects. Furthermore, there is a rising concern regarding individual autonomy and personal freedoms, particularly how these mandates affect students who hold medical, religious, or philosophical objections to vaccination. Thus, I propose a state law that will:
 

• Prohibit all public and private colleges and universities in Pennsylvania from requiring students, faculty, and staff to receive any form of COVID-19 vaccination or other vaccines as a condition for enrollment, class participation, or employment on campus.
• Ensure Exemptions: Any vaccine mandate that might be imposed would need to provide for exemptions based on medical, religious, or philosophical beliefs, allowing the decision regarding vaccination to rest with the individual.
• Protect Educational Access: Colleges and universities will be barred from denying admission or expelling students solely on the basis of their vaccination status.
• Support Public Health Alternatives: Schools will be encouraged to continue employing non-invasive public health measures such as testing, social distancing, and masking when deemed appropriate.

 
Vaccination should remain a personal choice, not a requirement enforced by educational institutions or governmental entities. Education is a fundamental right; no student should be denied access to college or university because of their vaccination status—especially when alternative preventive measures, such as testing and masking, can be implemented. Individuals must have the freedom to make choices about their health in consultation with their healthcare providers, without facing coercion from universities or other organizations.
 
I urge everyone to support this critical piece of legislation designed to protect students from the risks associated with myocarditis and the overreach of academic institutions. It is imperative that we ensure equal access to education for all students, regardless of their vaccination status. By enacting this legislation, Pennsylvania will reaffirm its commitment to preserving individual rights, championing freedom of choice, and facilitating access to higher education.
 
Please join me in co-sponsoring the vital legislation that will protect the rights of all Students to obtain a college degree in Pennsylvania regardless of their choice to receive a vaccine or not. 

I seek your support in introducing and advancing this bill to eliminate vaccine mandates in Pennsylvania's colleges and universities.

If you have any questions please contact either Aaron Bashir (abashir@pasen.gov) or Donald Beishl (dbeishl@pasen.gov) in my office.