Westminster Public Schools sends new letter to teacher not receiving COVID-19 vaccine sues
WESTMINSTER, Colo. (KDVR) – Westminster Public Schools repealed its policy that teachers should not talk to other teachers or students while on unpaid leave.
In a letter sent to Benjamin Helgeson on Wednesday, the school district said: “This letter replaces the letter sent to you on October 12, 2021 regarding administrative leave”.
Helgeson filed a lawsuit after being put on unpaid leave for having religious beliefs that prevent him from getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
The original letter stated that Helgeson was not allowed to have any contact with students or staff.
Helgeson’s wife works for the Westminster School District, according to the lawsuit, and he claims the district’s directive causes distress because he “cannot refrain from contact or communication with his spouse, but risks disciplinary action, up to and including termination, when he do.”
However, the district told FOX31, “Mr. Helgeson was specifically told that this did not apply to his wife.”
In the new letter, the district said: “While on leave, you are expected to refrain from entering the district property and to comply with all district policies and the Memorandum of Understanding you have signed.
August 10, 2021
Read the whole letter here:
This letter replaces the letter sent to you on October 12, 2021 regarding administrative
leave.
From 18 October 2021, you were given unpaid administrative leave
the rest of the school year 2021-2022. If you are currently enrolled in the district
health and dental insurance scheme, you have the opportunity to remain enrolled in the scheme at
your own account as set out in Article L24-1-1 of the Agreement between
Westminster Education Association and the district. The district’s contribution to
your health and dental insurance premium expires after November 30, 2021, after which
time you will be responsible for the price of the prize if you wish to stay
covered by the district’s health and dental insurance scheme.
While on leave, you are expected to refrain from entering the district property, and
to comply with all district policies and the Memorandum of Understanding you have signed
August 10, 2021. Any questions related to your employment or leave must be
addressed to the Chief of Staff.Kirchers Leday
Personnel Manager
Helgeson claims that because the school district does not meet the exemption for his religious beliefs, they are violating his first constitutional rights. He filed a lawsuit against the school district on Tuesday.
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