Need help fast! (nj law)

[minimurph]

So DD is enrolled at Goddard School for preschool in the fall.

I called the school to find out what they need (expecting to be told just the letter) and was told that they have never had a religious exemption in their school before and they had to call the state to find out.

So they did and they told her that we needed to have a letter written and signed by a pastor or minister or whomever from our church, just like if it were a medical exemption and we needed proof from our doctor.

W.T.F?

I got the number for the state and asked what exactly they were talking about....as you do NOT need to be a member of an organized religion or a member of a church to hold religious beliefs.

The woman was rude as hell and sent me to her supervisor's voicemail.

WHAT do I do here????

[mamajjr]

That is not what NJ law says. A parent just has to submit something in writing.

http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/chap14.htm

I would call the school back and tell them what the law states.

[Marnica]

I would just submit the written statement...sighting the specific law in NJ. They have to take it.

Make sure they know that you know your rights and the law.

http://www.njaicv.org/law.htm

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) has received numerous inquiries regarding enforcement of N.J.A.C. 8:57 - 4, immunization of Pupils in School. The issue of exemptions to mandatory immunizations has been reviewed by the NJDHSS Office of Legal and Regulatory Affairs and the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. Below is a summary of the advice received from legal council regarding exemptions to immunization(s).


Religious Exemptions:
N.J.S.A. 26:1A - 1 provides an exemption for pupils from mandatory immunization "if the parent or guardian of the pupil objects thereto in a written statement signed by the parent or guardian upon the ground that the proposed immunization interferes with the free exercise of the pupil's religious rights." All schools, child care centers, and local health officers may be advised that the religious exemption extends to private, parochial, and public institutions. When a parent or guardian submits their written religious exemption to immunization, which contains some religious reference, those persons charged with implementing administrative rules at N.J.A.C. 8:57 – 4.4, should not question whether the parent’s professed religious statement or stated belief is reasonable, acceptable, sincere and bona fide. In practice, if the written statement contains the word “religion” or “religious” or some reference thereto, then the statement should be accepted and the religious exemption of mandatory immunization(s) granted. The language requiring how the administration of immunizing agents conflicts with the student’s religious beliefs does not mandate specificity as to membership in a recognized church or religious denomination. NJDHSS will seek to amend the rules at N.J.A.C. 8:57 – 4.4 through the Administrative Rules process to be consistent with N.J.S.A. 26:1A – 1.

[yarngoddess]

You attach the copy of the LAW to your letter That's what I had to do when we needed to file for welfare and it took A LOT of the confusion out of the situation- because here was the law and the statue it was under RIGHT under their noses. REALLY helped me in an already hostile situation, and I'm in California for crying out loud!

Good luck! and remember YOU have the law on your side- you are doing everything you are supposed to do- so be nice yet confident. Let them make asses out of themselves lol.