Treasurer Magaziner calls for immediate action – RI Vaccine requirement for teachers/school staff

Rhode Island General Treasurer Seth Magaziner is urging Governor McKee to institute a vaccine requirement for teachers and school support staff:  “With children across Rhode Island returning to school this week, we must take immediate action to protect them from COVID-19,” said General Treasurer Seth Magaziner. 

“Rhode Island should join other states such as California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington in instituting a vaccination requirement for all teachers and school support staff. 

“While it has been reported that approximately 90% of teachers and school staff statewide have been vaccinated, this means that approximately 2,000 unvaccinated adults will soon be going to work in Rhode Island schools with students – many of whom are not old enough to be vaccinated themselves. This is dangerous and unacceptable.  

“We must follow the science. Vaccines are safe and effective. They are our best option to keep students safe and ensure that in-person learning can resume uninterrupted. 

Teachers Unions Support

Both major national teachers’ unions support this requirement. Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association has said, “It is clear that the vaccination of those eligible is one of the most effective ways to keep schools safe.” Randi Weingarten, of the American Federation of Teachers said, “I do think that the circumstances have changed and that vaccination is a community responsibility…things have changed with Delta raging, and with the proximity of the full approval of the vaccines. Because of those two facts, we are considering all alternatives, including looking at vaccine mandates. Vaccines are the most important tool available to combat the pandemic.”

Magaziner concluded in his statement that “the vaccine requirement we implemented weeks ago for all employees of our Office has been effective – I urge Governor McKee to keep students safe by requiring all teachers and staff working in schools to be vaccinated.”