Statement from DC PCSB Executive Director on Mayor Bowser’s Order Requiring COVID-19 Vaccinations

Washington, D.C. -- DC Public Charter School Board Executive Director Dr. Michelle J. Walker-Davis issued the following statement in response to Mayor Muriel Bowser’s announcement requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for all adults regularly in schools and child care centers and for students aged 12 and older to participate in sports and school-based extracurricular activities:

“DC public charter schools have been emphasizing the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations to our communities for the past several months, with several schools mandating vaccine requirements or achieving 100% vaccination rates prior to the mayor’s announcement requiring vaccinations, which we fully support.

We know the pandemic continues to pose uncertainty with new challenges on the horizon, but we also know that vaccines are the most effective way we can keep our students and our school communities safe. This is why we’re collaborating with schools and city leaders to address vaccine hesitancy. We’re also  working with schools to create stable school environments for both students and staff, and know that vaccinations will help curb the impact of any potential disruptions caused by COVID-19.  Public charter schools remain committed to having the highest safety standards for our students and employees as they reopen, and remain committed to this throughout the school year."

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