The Avon Maitland District School Board passed a motion at last night's board meeting to send a letter to the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and Huron Perth Public Health advocating for mandatory vaccination for students who are eligible and wish to participate in extra-curricular activities.
Board Chair, Robert Hunking says there are two concerns with the motion.
"We have always followed the direction of Huron Perth Public Health and their recommendation is they strongly recommend vaccination for extra-curricular students for sports, they aren't recommending, they strongly recommend, so it's not making it mandatory."
Hunking goes on to say the second concern was around equity. He points out that other sports, like minor hockey or soccer, are private organizations.
"Even though extra-curriculars are coached by volunteer teachers, it is still a school-sanctioned activity, so are we creating, maybe, an access barrier for students who want to participate, but can't participate, but yet they're still allowed to attend school."
So Hunking describes them as a protocol and an equity issue.
