Dear Sir/Madam,

I am a concerned parent who is writing to express my objections to the petition submitted by Kristen Calleja mandating that all public and private school students and faculty receive the COVID-19 vaccine without allowing for any religious exemption. This would cause even larger burdens to our already fragile schools  by forcing teachers and staff who would have religious reasons against the vaccine to be dismissed or to quit. It would also be a disservice to students and families with strong religious objections. While I understand that there is real fear out there, I ask that you please act with reason and use critical judgement in reviewing this petition. The CDC numbers show that states reporting child COVID cases resulting in hospitalizations is 0.1-2.0% and child covid mortality rates are 0.0-0.03%. While I don’t mean to minimize the pain and suffering of those who have fallen within these narrow margins, I show the numbers to bring about some perspective. Some schools, such as the one that our kids attend, have done a fantastic job following protocols and keeping their staff and students safe even during the height of the pandemic - not having to shut down once due to rapid and concise contact tracing. Every child deserves an education and every teacher the ability to teach, without fear of discrimination.  Please protect religious liberties for Virginia families.