2.2.23: Updated Trenton Diocese Vaccination Policy

The question remains, will they choose to accept religious exemptions for new students or not?

The Diocese of Trenton released an UPDATED: Information on vaccination policy in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Trenton yesterday, February 2nd at 5 PM. This new memo corrects the mistake they made in their February 1, 2023 memo stating that: “The only established exemption from vaccines in NJ is medical and needs to be granted by the state, according to its criteria and requirements.” This new memo accurately reflects the NJ statute: N.J.S.A. 26:1A-9.1. that states that religious exemptions extend to private, parochial, and public institutions, however, it also states, “Religious affiliated schools or childcare centers shall have the authority to withhold or grant a religious exemption from the required immunization for pupils entering or attending their institutions without challenge by any secular health authority.”

In clarifying the NJ statute in yesterday’s memo, it is still unclear if the memo released by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt on January 30, 2023 instructing all school principals in the Trenton Diocese “not to accept new students with religious exemptions” still applies. N.J.S.A. 26:1A-9.1. is clear, Religious affiliated schools have the “authority to withhold or grant religious exemptions,” so what policy will the Trenton Diocese choose to implement? Will they choose to withhold enrollment from families who reject the use of pharmaceutical products? Since the power to select whether to “withhold or grant” religious exemptions clearly rest in their hands, will the Trenton Diocese blatantly discriminate against students seeking a religious exemption?

It is important that NJ parents seek clarification on this matter. If you feel inclined, you can contact them via email/phone/social media:

Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, Superintendent for Catholic Schools: 609-403-7149

Bonnie Milecki, Associate Director for School Development & Operations, 609-403-7149

2.2.23 Trenton Diocese Facebook Post

2.2.23 Trenton Diocese Tweet

#ipanj #religiousfreedom #informedconsent #mandatehealthfreedom