Student-Athlete Vaccination Policy Religious Accommodations

On August 4, 2021, the Hawaii State Department of Education (Department) issued a memorandum outlining “new safety guidelines with vaccination requirements for athletes, adults to participate in sports” (Memorandum). In relevant part, the Memorandum states that all student-athletes, athletic staff, and volunteers will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by September 24, 2021, to participate in school- sanctioned athletic activities for the 2021-2022 school year. Full vaccination is defined as two weeks after the second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single- dose vaccine.
 
The Department’s Civil Rights Compliance Branch (CRCB) will be responsible for fielding requests for Religious Accommodations regarding the new vaccination requirement from student-athletes, athletic staff, and athletic volunteers.
 
Please find attached a form entitled, Request for Exemption from COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement (for Student Participation in Athletics) on Religious Grounds, specifically for student-athletes seeking religious accommodations related to the vaccination requirement under the Memorandum.
 
Students may submit a completed request form to the applicable CRCB Equity Specialist for their Complex Area.
 
The CRCB Equity Specialist will review the request, and shall contact the student’s parent to ask follow-up questions regarding the student’s religious beliefs/practices/observances.
 
The CRCB Equity Specialist will issue a written determination to the student’s parent.
 
Should you have any questions, please contact Title VII Specialist Toby Yamashiro via phone at (808) 586-3322 or email at toby.yamashiro@k12.hi.us.
 
  Phyllis Unebasami,
​Deputy Superintendent

Click Here to Download and Print Request for Religious Exemption for COVID-19 Vaccine Form