CHARLESTON, W.Va. — On his first full day in office, Republican Governor Patrick Morrisey enacted a series of bold executive orders, notably one that allows families to obtain religious exemptions for mandatory school vaccinations. This action marks a significant shift for a state known for its stringent vaccine regulations, which are among the most rigorous in the nation.
Additionally, Morrisey ordered the end of all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within state-run institutions. The governor argued that eliminating these initiatives would safeguard West Virginians from racial and gender biases, particularly against what he described as “inappropriate” advantages given to particular demographics over others. “The public deserves nothing less,” he stated during a press conference held at the state Capitol. According to U.S. Census data for 2024, approximately 93% of West Virginia’s populace is white, ranking the state among the least diverse in the country.
The push to dissolve DEI initiatives is expected to gain momentum in Republican-led states after recent actions from the federal government, particularly following the statements from President-elect Donald Trump against perceived “wokeness” in educational settings. Institutions in states like Florida, Kentucky, and Texas have already begun to dismantle their diversity offices.
In his remarks, Morrisey referred to a recent ruling from the conservative U.S. Supreme Court, which annulled affirmative action in college admissions, asserting that race should not play a role in such processes. He mentioned that his administration would send notifications to cabinet officials and departmental leaders urging them to investigate any DEI practices present in state government. However, he chose not to disclose which DEI programs were under review, indicating he would prefer first to assess the existing conditions before detailing potential changes.
West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin responded critically, labeling the executive orders a “troubling example” of overreach that could have long-lasting repercussions. Pushkin accused the governor of promoting divisive language that could fracture community ties, emphasizing that the governor should represent all citizens — not just those who share his beliefs or appearance.
During the press conference, Morrisey reiterated his responsibility to ensure that the Constitution is both interpreted correctly and enforced appropriately. His executive order regarding vaccinations significantly disrupts a public health framework that has been deemed one of the most effective nationwide for protecting children. Under existing law, children are required to receive vaccinations for diseases including chickenpox, measles, and polio before attending school, while COVID-19 vaccination is not mandated.
West Virginia is one of the few states that only allows medical exemptions to vaccination requirements. This latest move contrasts starkly with the position of former governor Jim Justice, who, prior to leaving office, vetoed a less expansive vaccination bill aimed at providing exemptions for private and alternative school students. At that time, Justice, who has been recognized for his pro-vaccine stance, deferred to medical experts who predominantly opposed such legislation.
Although some factions within the Republican-controlled legislature have sought to amend the vaccination exemption laws unsuccessfully for years, Morrisey, who previously served as West Virginia’s attorney general, believes that the recent “Equal Protection for Religion Act” should allow for religious exemptions, asserting that this law hasn’t been adequately enforced since its enactment.
The process for obtaining a vaccination exemption is still being finalized. However, Morrisey indicated that parents would likely need to submit written statements detailing their religious beliefs to the state Bureau of Public Health. He also aims to clarify with incoming lawmakers that religious exemptions are permissible under state law for vaccinations.
Federal data released in October highlighted a decline in kindergarten vaccination rates in 2023, with the number of children exempt from vaccine requirements reaching a record 3.3%, up from 3% the previous year. Although 92.7% of kindergartners received their required immunizations, this figure represents a slight decrease compared to the preceding years. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination coverage among children hovered around 95%, a threshold medical authorities consider vital for preventing disease outbreaks.
Historically, West Virginia has boasted some of the highest vaccination rates in the country. However, a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified the state as having both the lowest exemption rates and the best vaccination statistics for kindergarteners. In conjunction with Mississippi, West Virginia struggles with some of the poorest health outcomes and the lowest life expectancy rates in the nation.
