We’ve heard about firings and threats of firings for people across the country declining vaccinations. The lawsuits are now coming, including the imminent legal action against Nick Rolovich (head football coach at Washington State University). The ex-coach plans to sue the university, and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) could potentially come into play and in Rolovich’s favor.
Breitbart indicated that Rolovich and four assistant football coaches were terminated with cause for failing to comply with WSU’s vaccination mandate. His attorney, Brian Fahling, sent a letter to the school stating that the firing was “unjust and unlawful” and he plans to take legal action against Washington State University and all parties responsible for his illegal termination.
ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg reported the Fahling letter “came after Coach Rolovich’s request for a religious exemption from the vaccine was denied by the university. The institution also indicated that even if the exemption had been granted, no accommodation would have been made.”
The letter accused WSU Athletic Director Pat Chun of demonstrating “animus” towards Rolovich.The following:
“Since at least early April, it became clear that Chun had already determined that Coach Rolovich would be fired. Chun’s animus towards Coach Rolovich’s sincerely held religious beliefs, and Chun’s dishonesty at the expense of Coach Rolovich during the past year is damning and will be thoroughly detailed in litigation. Chun’s discriminatory and vindictive behavior have caused immeasurable harm to Coach Rolovich and his family.”
Sticking up for WSU, the San Jose Mercury News chided Rolovich’s attempt to seek a religious exemption because vaccinations have been mandated by the state of Washington.
However, FEDweek reports that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) “may limit some government employers’ adoption of vaccine mandates and affect future legislation governing vaccine mandates.” Rolovich could have a legal advantage if that is the case.
Rolovich may also be one of the victims in a greater bias at Washington State University, which has denied nearly 80 percent of the applications it received for religious exemptions concerning coronavirus vaccinations.
The Guardian tries to justify religious arguments for vaccinations by stating that Pope Francis and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have stated that “all Covid-19 vaccines are morally acceptable and that Catholics have a duty, responsibility or obligation to be vaccinated.”
A third legal problem is how Rolovich is going to be paid the $3 million salary due him for his remaining three years with WSU.
Pending a legal defense of Rolovich, Fahling called the coach’s dismissal “a tragic and damning commentary on our culture, and more specifically, on Chun, that Coach Rolovich has been derided, demonized and ultimately fired from his job, merely for being devout in his Catholic faith.
Rolovich previously stated, “While I made my decision,” Rolovich added, “I recognize that each individual, including coaches, staff, and student-athletes, has the right to make his/her own decision about COVID-19.” This respect was not reciprocated by Rolovich or his ex-university employer.
COVID-19 infection rates are in an upward spiral, and they’re currently free to fall. Not to be overlooked, some people who have been fully vaccinated are still susceptible to coronavirus. See the chart on this page. The madness of vaccination and terminations is so unnecessary.
