Whereas, California Code of Regulations Title 5 §53206 establishes the Academic Senate of the California Community Colleges as the representative of community college academic senates or faculty councils before the Board of Governors and Chancellor's Office on academic and professional matters (Title 5, §53200);
Whereas, A novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is currently the cause of a world-wide pandemic spreading illness and death, and in recognition that the current COVID-19 vaccines are the most effective measure to protect against infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, public institutions locally, statewide, and nationally, are mandating COVID-19 vaccination for employment, education, and travel to protect public health;
Whereas, California Education Code §87408, §87408.5 and §87408.6 address the health requirements for new hires and employees, and §76403(a) addresses prevention and control of communicable diseases in students; and,
Whereas, On Saturday, August 14, 2021, the Student Senate for California Community Colleges Board of Directors took a position in support of requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for colleges that are reopening to prevent the spread of the virus, with flexibility where vaccines are not possible due to medical conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs [1];
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Colleges assert that a safe teaching and learning environment for students and faculty is vital for student success, which is an academic and professional matter, and urge that local academic senates communicate this necessity to their administrations and governing boards;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges work with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the Student Senate for California Community Colleges, collective bargaining units, and other system partners to explore options to require all newly hired and existing employees and students to be vaccinated for COVID-19, with appropriate exemptions for medical and religious reasons; and,
Resolved, The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges support the Student Senate for California Community College Board of Directors position on COVID-19 vaccinations.
MSC
1. https://ssccc.org/file_download/inline/b2feffbf-4de9-485b-9322-1e05853f26bd (As of August 14, 2021)