Educators in Florida are raising concerns about recent discussions among state leaders regarding changes to vaccination policies in schools. The Florida Education Association (FEA) says that reducing access to vaccines could negatively affect student learning and safety.
According to the FEA, keeping students safe and providing a supportive educational environment are their main priorities. The association emphasizes the importance of ensuring classrooms have necessary resources, qualified teachers, and addressing challenges facing public schools across the state.
“When leaders talk about pulling back vaccines, they’re talking about disrupting student learning and making schools less safe. State leaders say they care about reducing chronic absenteeism and keeping kids in school—but reducing vaccinations does the opposite, putting our children’s health and education at risk.”
The FEA has criticized state officials for actions it says undermine school safety and educator well-being. “Florida leaders claim to care about students but silence experts and take actions that make schools less safe. They claim to care about educators but refuse to pay them fairly. They claim to care about communities but put profit ahead of people at every turn. So, the question is: Is this really about keeping students safe, or is this simply about playing politics?”
The organization stated it is currently reviewing how these potential policy changes might impact public schools and communities. “We’re reviewing the potential impacts on public schools and our communities. But, make no mistake, FEA will continue to stand up for our students, our educators, and our public schools.”
The Florida Education Association represents more than 120,000 members including PreK-12 teachers, higher education faculty, educational staff professionals, college students preparing for teaching careers, and retired education employees.
