Special Olympics Drops COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate After Florida Threatens $27.5 Million Fine

The Special Olympics dropped its coronavirus vaccine requirement after Florida threatened to fine the organization $27.5 million for violating the state’s coronavirus vaccine mandate ban. 

In a Thursday letter, the Florida Department of Health informed the Special Olympics that requiring proof of vaccination for attendees and participants would result in 5,500 violations of state law. Florida banned coronavirus vaccine mandates in businesses and schools in November 2021. 

“Delegates who were registered for the Games but were unable to participate due to the prior vaccine requirement, now have the option to attend,” the Special Olympics said in a statement. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis defended the enforcement of the mandate ban, saying, “To go after Special Olympians, who all they wanted to do was compete, was not consistent with Florida law and it’s not the right thing to do.” The Special Olympics will be held June 5-12 at several Florida venues, including a Disney-owned water park.

Coverage was widespread across the spectrum on Friday. Some outlets on the right and left framed the threatened fine positively or negatively; headlines included “Special Olympics Caves On Vax Mandate” in The Daily Caller (Right bias) and “Ron DeSantis Bullied the Special Olympics” in Rolling Stone (Left bias).