CHARLESTON — A brief conflict erupted Friday between West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey and State Superintendent of Schools Michele Blatt over the contentious issue of vaccine mandates and religious exemptions in public schools.
In a memo distributed Friday to all 55 county superintendents, Blatt directed school systems to deny religious exemptions for required childhood immunizations starting in the 2025–2026 school year. Citing state law, she stated unequivocally that public schools “must follow West Virginia Code § 16-3-4,” which currently does not permit religious or philosophical exemptions.
“While it is our understanding DOHS intends to continue to issue non-enforcement letters under the Governor’s Executive Order… we are faced with the fact that state law has not been changed by the Legislature,” Blatt wrote in the original memorandum. She recommended that counties notify parents relying on religious exemptions that their children would not be allowed to attend school in the fall without the required vaccinations.
However, within hours, the superintendent rescinded the memo at the request of the Governor’s Office.
“At the Governor’s request, I am rescinding the memo I sent earlier today regarding vaccine exemptions,” Blatt wrote in a follow-up communication Friday afternoon. “We are working collaboratively with the Governor’s office to issue clear guidance… The Governor’s office has informed me that the West Virginia Department of Health will continue to review and grant religious exemptions to compulsory school vaccine requirements.”
The swift reversal marks a significant victory for vaccine freedom advocates. Supporters of personal liberty praised Morrisey’s intervention as a defense of constitutional rights and parental choice. The Republican governor has been a vocal proponent of religious and philosophical exemptions, arguing that government should not coerce medical decisions.
“Nice to have an actual Governor at work,” Del. Elias Coop-Gonzalez (R-Randolph) stated in response to the recent action.
Blatt’s initial memo referenced failed legislative attempts during the 2025 session to formally allow religious exemptions. In its absence, she argued, school policy must default to current law — a position she later retracted under executive pressure.
Though the memo has been rescinded, the incident underscores a policy rift between the Governor’s Office and the Department of Education. Morrisey, a conservative and longtime advocate for limited government, has positioned himself in opposition to what he sees as bureaucratic overreach.
