Renewed Calls to End Vaccine Mandates as Second Special Session Commences

Following the Texas Legislature’s failure to address COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the private sector, two Texas universities are keeping their vaccine mandates.

State Rep. Brian Harrison (R–Midlothian) drew attention to the issue Tuesday, highlighting that both Southwestern University and St. Edwards University list COVID-19 vaccine mandates on their websites.

Harrison has promised to refile the “COVID-19 Vaccine Freedom Act” in each special session called, no matter the subject of the call.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Freedom Act would have required anyone administering a COVID-19 vaccine to obtain the recipient’s informed consent beforehand, authorized the attorney general to enforce this restriction, and required violators to pay damages of at least $5,000.

“Not only are university and college campuses in Texas perpetuating an illogical COVID vaccine mandate, but so are hospitals, large corporations, and small businesses,” Michelle Evans, political director for Texans for Vaccine Choice, told Texas Scorecard.

TFVC and its supporters are eternally grateful to Representative Brian Harrison for continuing to call attention to this extremely important issue that went ignored during the 88th Legislative Session. Mandates still loom large over our state, and that must be addressed by the Legislature immediately.

Although Senate Bill 29 by State Sen. Brian Birdwell (R–Granbury) prohibits state agencies and local governments from requiring individuals to wear a face mask, receive a vaccine, or keep their businesses closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 or its variants, it does not address private businesses or universities.

SB 29 was one of Gov. Greg Abbott’s legislative emergency items, but many acknowledged that it does not fully address the issue.

One citizen commented on Harrison’s post, stating, “Ban vaccine mandates! We have a right to privacy, employers shouldn’t be asking for your health information and then discriminating against you.”

The second legislative special session has just commenced. Although the agenda only includes property taxes, Abbott can add any issue he chooses to the call.

Sydnie Henry

A born and bred Texan, Sydnie serves as the Managing Editor for Texas Scorecard. She graduated from Patrick Henry College with a B.A. in Government and is utilizing her research and writing skills to spread truth to Texans.