SCOTUS Rules Against Military Officer Who Refused COVID-19 Vaccine

The Supreme Court said it won’t get involved in a military vaccine mandate challenge brought by a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserve who declined to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for religious reasons.

In an unsigned order, justices gave no reasons for their refusal to take the case, which is common in response to emergency requests. Three Republican-appointed members, Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch, gave their dissent but did not explain their decisions, according to court records.

The court’s order stands as an interim measure that denies relief while the plaintiff’s appeals proceed. Lt. Col. Jonathan Dunn was removed from his command following nearly two decades of service as a trainer and commander, arguing he was seeking “protection against further punishment, including a discharge.”

The Justice Department’s Solicitor General, Elizabeth Prelogar, said the Air Force had determined “that vaccination of service members is an essential component of military readiness and is critical to protecting the health and safety of service members.” (Read more from “SCOTUS Rules Against Military Officer Who Refused COVID-19 Vaccine” HERE)

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