Portland Student COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Considered By District

PORTLAND, OR —Should public school students 12 and older be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19?

That's the question school board officials considered at their work session. They heard a staff report stating that the answer is yes.

The report states that requirement is necessary "to help reduce the disproportionate effects of the vaccine and/or school closures on the physical and mental health and academic growth of every PPS student, especially our students of color."

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One board member asked whether a mandate would actually help protect students of color or discriminate against them.

Eilidh Lowery pointed to the recent decision by Portland Community College not to impose a mandate because of concerns that not everyone has the same access to the vaccine.

Other members brought up the question of hesitancy borne of mistrust.

An official with the Multnomah County Health Department told board members that the key is working with community leaders and using trusted means of communication.

If a mandate comes, it won't be here immediately. The district plans at least two virtual town halls and will likely undertake other outreach efforts.