NewsCreative Loafing Tampa Bay — NewsAugust 3, 2026Hillsborough
Florida Attorney General warns Catholic schools to accept vaccine exemptions if accepting state vouchers
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a letter to the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops stating that private schools receiving taxpayer-funded vouchers must honor student vaccine exemptions. The Attorney General argues that Catholic doctrine supports the right to individual conscience regarding medical decisions.
Read the full story at Creative Loafing Tampa Bay — NewsWhy It Matters
This action impacts the operational requirements for private religious schools in Florida that participate in state-funded voucher programs, potentially forcing a change in their student health policies to remain eligible for public funding.
Key Facts
- Attorney General James Uthmeier sent a formal letter to the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops on Friday.
- The Attorney General asserts that private schools accepting taxpayer-funded vouchers are subject to state expectations regarding vaccine exemptions.
- The argument cites the Catholic Catechism, Pope Leo, and scripture to support the position that Catholic doctrine allows for individual conscience in medical choices.
- The warning implies a potential conflict between school health policies and eligibility for state voucher funding.