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Another Student Victory in Clinical Placement Advocacy
When Knowledge, Persistence and Faith Make the Difference!
Support AVFCA TODAY to make more Wins Happen!

Yesterday, we shared how AVFCA helped a nursing student protect her religious beliefs and continue her education. Today, we want to share another recent case that shows why experienced, informed advocacy makes all the difference.

Across the country, students pursuing healthcare careers are increasingly being told that religious exemptions are “not allowed” once they reach clinical or practicum requirements, often without clear written policies, legal analysis, or meaningful consideration of sincerely held beliefs. Yet AVFCA continues to see that when students are guided with accurate legal information, thoughtful strategy, and strong advocacy, they are often able to continue their education without abandoning their convictions.

A Voice for Choice Advocacy is pleased to share another recent success involving a sophomore student in a speech-language pathology program at a private Christian university in Texas.

Laurel, a dedicated student, had completed all required childhood vaccinations and had previously submitted a religious exemption for the COVID vaccine. As part of a semester-long clinical course in the university’s Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic, she was told she must receive the influenza vaccine and that religious exemptions were not permitted because she would be working with clients.

Despite following university instructions and submitting her documentation to the appropriate offices, Laurel was repeatedly redirected between departments and given conflicting information. No clear written policy was provided, and she was ultimately told that only medical exemptions would be considered.

Concerned about her future, Laurel and her family sought outside legal assistance and paid a significant fee to another organization that claimed it could help. Unfortunately, the exemption letter they provided was legally flawed, promptly rejected, and follow-up support never materialized.

At that point, Laurel foudn her way to A Voice for Choice Advocacy. With AVFCA’s guidance, the situation shifted. We reviewed the facts, clarified Laurel’s status as an unpaid student earning academic credit, distinguished her role from paid clinic employees, and identified the applicable legal standards under federal civil rights law.

AVFCA worked directly with Laurel to craft a precise, legally grounded written response that documented the university’s position, highlighted unequal treatment between students and employees, and requested consistent, non-discriminatory application of vaccination policies.

Laurel sent the letter exactly as advised. Shortly thereafter, the university reversed course and approved her participation in the clinic without requiring influenza vaccination, allowing her to remain on track toward her career.

This case reflects a pattern AVFCA sees far too often: blanket denials, unclear processes, shifting responsibility, and pressure on students to simply comply. Without experienced advocacy, many students abandon their programs or compromise their beliefs unnecessarily.

AVFCA is the only organization that has demonstrated consistent success helping students secure clinical placements based on sincerely held religious exemptions. Our work is grounded in years of hands-on advocacy, deep familiarity with the law, and proven outcomes.

Many families are approached by attorneys or organizations that promise help but lack specific experience in clinical placement and religious accommodation law. In some cases, families pay substantial fees without receiving effective representation.

AVFCA provides this guidance at no cost so that every student, regardless of financial resources, has access to knowledgeable, strategic, and results-driven support.

If you or someone you know is preparing to enter a healthcare or allied health program that requires clinical participation, start early. Seek accurate guidance, insist on written policies, and reach out for help as soon as concerns arise. These cases take time, and early action makes all the difference.

Thank you for helping us make victories like this possible! AVFCA is completely funded by donations made by people like you. Your donations enable us to keep standing up for individuals facing similar challenges. Over the last 10 years A Voice for Choice Advocacy, and our sister organization, A Voice for Choice, have been sustained only by grassroots donations, as well as my own significant donations. We are so thankful to everyone who has generously donated. However, AVFCA always needs your help to make our efforts sustainable. If you appreciate the work we do, AVFCA asks you to donate as generously as you can - no amount is too little or too great! If you are not already, please consider becoming a monthly donor:



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Thank you in advance for your generosity. Together we can make change happen!

C
Christina Hildebrand
President/Founder
A Voice for Choice Advocacy, Inc.
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A Voice for Choice Advocacy
530 Showers Drive, #7404
Mountain View, CA 94040
United States