Silicon Valley’s transportation agency, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, has decided to take the place of a medical professional. VTA’s new discriminative policy is to have all employees fully vaccinated by 04/29/2022 or be terminated from their job. Transit employees were considered heroes and essential workers at the peak of the pandemic in 2020. Now, come late April of 2022, that is no longer the case for unvaccinated employees. They are no longer heroes or essential to VTA. This is not a federal, state, or local mandate, this is VTA’s new policy. This new policy is nothing short than an act of coercion and is one of the most unethical measures in recent history. Threatening employees with job termination because of his or her vaccination status is a serious matter. Not only will jobs be lost, but there will be a ripple effect due to this new policy. Our families will be burdened with a significant amount of financial stress, especially during these tough economic times. Our mental health is and will be taking a toll on us, which will in turn reflect in our homes, communities across Santa Clara County, and beyond. All we are asking for is to keep our jobs without violating our sincerely held beliefs, our conscience, and our bodily autonomy. We want to continue to do what we love, which is to serve the public and keep Santa Clara County moving. Our livelihoods and that of our families are on the line. By signing this petition, you will make a statement to VTA that you DO NOT support VTA firing employees because of their vaccination status. Thank you and God bless you!