Los Angeles district fires nearly 500 employees who haven't complied with vaccination requirements

The Los Angeles (Calif.) district has fired nearly 500 employees who have failed to comply with the district's Covid-19 vaccine mandate. 

The district was among the first school systems in the nation to require employees to be vaccinated, reports The Los Angeles Times. 

Employees were required to receive their first vaccine dose in October and their second dose by Nov. 15.  

 “Parting ways with individuals who choose not to be vaccinated is an extremely difficult, but necessary decision to ensure the safety of all in our school communities," interim Supt. Megan K. Reilly said. "We wish everyone the best in their future endeavors and encourage everyone to get vaccinated.”

The number of employees fired represents fewer than 1% of the district's 73,000 employees, a compliance rate the school system characterizes as a success. 

On Oct. 18, when the mandate took effect, 2,214 district employees either had not applied for or had not received an exemption. At that time, about 1,500 others had received an exemption — 175 for a serious medical condition or disability, and 1,325 for a “sincerely held religious belief.” Workers out of compliance were to receive pay through Oct. 31.

Other workers have taken sick leave and vacation days or pursued an unpaid leave — trying to wait out the vaccine requirement.

“The science is clear — vaccinations are safe and effective and are an essential part of the multilayered protection against Covid-19,” the district said in a statement. “They help reduce the chances of getting considerably sick and dying from the virus. Los Angeles Unified continues to provide access to vaccines for employees and every eligible student.”

The terminations come at a time when the district is having trouble finding enough qualified workers to fill positions at all levels. That’s one reason the district has left the door open as it tries to fill more than 1,000 vacancies.

“If separated employees do get vaccinated, they may be eligible for reemployment,” the district's statement said.

The Los Angeles Unified District is the second largest public school system in the nation and enrolls more than 640,000 students.