Parents across Michigan are demanding immediate action to restore the clear statutory right to a vaccine exemption.
The Law
MCL 333.9215(2) states that a child is exempt when a parent presents a written statement of religious or other objection to the school administrator.
The administrative rule (R 325.176) itself says the school “shall recognize” that exemption.
What Is Happening
Schools are refusing these written statements. Parents are forced into a local health department education process and a certified form.
MDHHS has rebranded this administrative process as the official “Immunization Exemption” in its new online modules and STC|ONE system. Students with only a statutory written statement are treated as non-compliant on reporting deadlines and excluded from school.
This practice nullifies a right the Legislature created in 1978 and contradicts the rule’s own recognition requirement. It also imposes unfunded administrative burdens on schools and local health departments.
Our Clear Asks
- MDHHS must immediately instruct all schools and local health departments to accept a parent’s written statement under MCL 333.9215(2) as a complete and valid exemption.
- Schools must recognize the statutory written statement as required by both the statute and the rule.
- The Legislature should support clarifying bills (including HB 5634/5635 and SB 797/798) that reaffirm the written-statement pathway and prohibit additional administrative requirements.
Please act now:
- Contact your State Representative and Senator. Ask them to press MDHHS to follow the statute and to support the clarifying bills.
- Contact MDHHS leadership and demand written guidance that schools must accept the statutory written statement.
Parents are not asking for a new right. We are asking that the existing law be followed.
Thank you for protecting the plain language of Michigan statute and the rights of Michigan families.
