KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The University of Kansas Health System says they have received word of a planned protest Friday morning from a group protesting the organization’s vaccine requirement.
In a media release Thursday night, KUHS officials say they’ve been made aware by the group of the protest, which is set for 6 to 10 a.m. Friday.
Earlier this month, KUHS announced it would require employees, volunteers, students, temporary workers, contractors and all KU Health System physicians working in Kansas City area facilities to receive a vaccine by Dec. 1.
The statement says that Kansas University Police will be on scene to ensure patient care is not affected, though officials said they believe the protest will be peaceful.
Group members planning to protest the vaccine mandate sent a statement to KSHB 41 News explaining their stance:
"We’re not protesting a specific employer this protest is about the erosion of our civil liberties and government overreach. Part of our jobs as healthcare workers is to ensure to respect and advocate for our patients to make their own healthcare decisions. As providers we would wish for the same respect given to us to make our own informed decisions.
"Our livelihood shouldn’t be threatened and we shouldn’t be coerced into taking this vaccine without given a choice. We’re grateful for the opportunity to take care of others during this entire last year, surely we have earned the respect and support of our community in this last year of service. This should be evidence enough that we are more than capable to make this choice for ourselves."
