The federal agency is set to start removing records of Covid-19 vaccinations from federal employees’ personnel files, following a lengthy legal struggle concerning a mandate imposed by former President Joe Biden.
On Wednesday, Feds for Freedom announced they reached a settlement with the Department of Justice (DOJ). As part of this agreement, the Department of Personnel Management must delete records associated with the Covid-19 vaccine mandate, including vaccination status, violations, and requests for exemptions. This process is expected to be implemented within 60 days. Additionally, agencies will be barred from factoring in an employee’s vaccination status when making decisions about hiring, firing, or promotions.
Stephanie Weidle, the executive director of Feds for Freedom, mentioned, “The most important thing for our members is their records being scrubbed.”
She indicated that their victory is a strong affirmation of their claims, stating that the mandate was not just unconstitutional, but also morally dubious and contrary to American values.
Jim Erdman, who co-founded Feds for Freedom, highlighted that the settlement reflects “years of volunteer work and grassroots financial support.”
The conflict began back in December 2021 when Feds for Freedom originated. They managed to obtain a nationwide injunction by January 2022 and subsequently filed a lawsuit in Texas that challenged the mandate’s authority. Ultimately, the mandate was formally revoked in May 2023. The group collaborated with law firm Boyden Gray PLLC on this issue.
While the DOJ did not concede to any wrongdoing in the settlement, the group views this resolution as an implicit acknowledgment of governmental overreach and a potentially significant precedent for future cases surrounding individual health choices and religious freedoms.
Weidle noted that employees have the option to opt-out of having their vaccination records kept for any reason.
The organization anticipates that the agency will issue a certificate of destruction to confirm that the records have been deleted. Additionally, they will assist federal workers in making requests under the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act.
Moreover, the settlement includes some monetary compensation to cover a portion of the group’s legal expenses, although many cases have been taken on a pro bono basis.
Weidle expressed gratitude but also some reservations, stating she felt thankful but not entirely satisfied with the outcome. She pointed out her mixed feelings about the statements made by the Trump administration regarding the rapid vaccine development pace in 2020, particularly comments from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has announced a shift in focus away from mRNA technologies.
“This is a significant achievement for us, especially considering the federal government’s previous actions last year,” Weidle remarked.
Earlier this year, it was reported that among the four external advisors recommended by Biden to support the two-dose mRNA vaccine mandate, a majority were concerned about its implementation in individuals with innate immunity.
