Westminster Public Schools send new letter to teacher who has not received COVID-19 vaccine and has taken legal action

WESTMINSTER, Colo. (KDVR) - Westminster Public Schools have repealed their policy that teachers cannot talk to other teachers or students during unpaid leave.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 complaint after being put on unpaid leave for having religious beliefs that prevent him from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

In the original letter, it was stated that Helgeson was not authorized to have contact with students or staff.

Helgeson's wife works for the Westminster School District, according to the lawsuit, and he claims the district directive causes distress because he "cannot refrain from all contact or communication with his spouse. , but risks disciplinary action, up to and including termination, when it does. "

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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 must refrain from entering district property and comply with all district policies and the memorandum of expectations you signed.
August 10, 2021 ″.

Read the full letter here:

This letter replaces the letter sent to you on October 12, 2021 regarding
let.
As of October 18, 2021, you have been placed on administrative leave without pay for
rest of the 2021-2022 school year. If you are currently registered in the District
health and dental insurance plan, you have the option of remaining enrolled in the plan at
at your expense as provided for 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 will cease after November 30, 2021, the date on which
moment you will be responsible for the cost of the premium if you wish to stay
covered by the district health and dental insurance plan.
While you are on leave, you must refrain from entering district property, and
comply with all district policies and the Memorandum of Expectations you signed
August 10, 2021. Any question relating to your employment or your leave must be
addressed to the Chief of Staff.

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Helgeson claims that because the school district does not accept his exemption from religious beliefs, it is violating his early constitutional rights. He filed a complaint Tuesday against the school district.