Special Olympics Drops COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate After Florida Threatens $27.5 Million Fine
Summary from the AllSides News Team
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).
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Left
Special Olympics reverses vaccine requirement after Florida threatens $27.5M fineThe Special Olympics reversed its Covid-19 vaccine mandate for upcoming competitions in Orlando after Florida threatened event organizers with a $27.5 million fine over the requirement.
The Special Olympics issued a statement on Friday saying it will lift its mandate as directed by state officials on May 27 “based upon the Florida Department of Health’s interpretation of Florida law.”
From the Right
Special Olympics drops vaccine mandate after Florida threatens $27.5 million fineThe Special Olympics on Thursday reversed its vaccine requirement for upcoming games in Orlando, Florida, this weekend after receiving pressure from Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration.
ABC News reporter Jay O'Brien revealed Friday that the state of Florida threatened the Special Olympics with a $27.5 million fine because it said the organization's vaccine requirement violated state law.
From the Center
Special Olympics drops COVID vaccine mandate after Florida threatens $27.5M fineFlorida threatened to fine Special Olympics International $27.5 million for requiring 5,500 participants at the USA Games in Orlando to be vaccinated against COVID, prompting the organization to drop the mandate.
“There needs to be a choice in this regard,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said at an event in Orlando surrounded by a cheering crowd that included athletes for the games set to begin Sunday. “Let them compete. We want everyone to be able to compete.”
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