By Conner Tighe
As of June 1, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission released a new guideline allowing employers to require COVID-19 vaccination proof before hiring. This announcement comes only a few months after the initial release of the vaccine in mid-February.
Although the commission released this announcement, the EEOC also requires employers to maintain alternate options for those unable to obtain the vaccine. This guideline will undoubtedly hit those who face the challenges of getting the vaccine the hardest. The EEOC also won’t allow employers to treat un-vaccinated employees differently than those who have been vaccinated. This guideline doesn’t mean employers have to enforce this rule. It will likely depend on each individual employer.
There has been speculation about this guideline violating the Fourth Amendment, “Prohibiting of unreasonable search and seizures.” Legal experts like Georgetown University professor Lawrence Gostin said this guideline does not violate those rights since the EEOC is strictly for businesses, not the government. It’s likely the new guideline is a widespread effort to promote vaccinations.
“The EEOC will continue to clarify and update our COVID-19 technical assistance to ensure that we are providing the public with clear, easy to understand, and helpful information,” EEOC Chair Charlotte Burrows said in a statement.
Sources: WebMD, AJMC, USA Today
Featured Image: Pan American Health Organization