West Virginia enforces strict vaccine rules for school children. The state allows only medical exemptions and bans religious ones. However a 2023 law protects religious equality.
Governor Patrick Morrisey issued an order in 2025 to permit religious opt-outs. School boards refused to accept them. Consequently parents sued the state and local education officials.
Lower Court’s Decision
Miranda Guzman led the lawsuit for her child’s exemption. Raleigh County Judge Michael Froble ruled on November 26, 2025. He allowed religious beliefs as a reason to skip vaccines.
The judge certified a class action for 570 families. He stated the ban violated religious protection laws. Additionally he permitted affected children to attend school and join activities.
Supreme Court’s Intervention
The state appealed the ruling quickly. Officials requested a stay to pause the order. On December 2, 2025, the West Virginia Supreme Court granted the stay. This action halted the lower court’s decision. Schools now enforce the original vaccine requirements again. Furthermore the court stopped further proceedings until it reviews the case.
Implications for Families
Families lose religious exemptions temporarily. Children must get vaccines or face exclusion from school. However homeschooling remains an option without these rules.
The state board directed counties to reject opt-outs. This prioritizes student health and safety. Consequently vaccination rates stay high in West Virginia.
Official Responses
School board President Paul Hardesty thanked the court. He said it calmed the chaos from the earlier ruling. Moreover the governor’s office reviews the stay and seeks religious protections.
Future Outlook
The Supreme Court will decide the full appeal later. This could change vaccine policies statewide. In the meantime, West Virginia upholds its ban on religious exemptions.
