Governor & State Superintendent at odds over vaccine exemptions

By Stephen Baldwin, RealWV

On Friday, State Superintendent of Schools Michelle Blatt released a memo to all 55 county school superintendents pertaining to vaccine exemptions.

Blatt said that since the legislature did not enact reform to the state’s compulsory vaccine policy for school children, the policy would still stand for the 2025-2026 school year.

“State law has not been changed by the Legislature and there is no religious exemption provided for in state law,” her memo stated.

A few hours later, Blatt issued an additional statement saying, “At the governor’s request, I am rescinding the memo I sent earlier today regarding vaccine exemptions.”

At issue is whether religious exemptions to the state’s compulsory vaccination for school enrollment are lawful. West Virginia is one of five states that does not allow religious exemptions in law.

While the legislature did not change that law this session, despite numerous attempts to do so, Governor Patrick Morrisey did issue an executive order providing for religious exemptions. In order to qualify, a parent simply must put in writing to their child’s school that they are requesting an exemption due to religious reasons.

As first reported by West Virginia Watch, Morrisey instructed the Department of Health to follow the executive order and begin granting religious exemptions. As of late March, more than 180 had been granted.

Blatt’s first memo said those students could attend this year but not next year. Their status is now up the air for next year, as Blatt’s second memo says she is working with the governor’s office and “counties should honor those exemption requests that have been duly granted.”

Morrisey posted the revised instruction from Blatt on his social media Friday evening.

Senator Joey Garcia, D-Marion, said Friday night that he believes the executive order is “illegal and contrary to law.”

Garcia further suggested the matter will need to be taken up in court in order to be resolved.

Stay tuned to RealWV for updates.