We ran into this also, but in Oklahoma. Yes, as a private institution,
they can make extra regulations specific to their institution. We got
around it by climbing the ladder until we got to someone able to usurp
school policy. We presented a very clear objection with references, and
met with that person for about an hour to discuss it. We also pointed
out that if they wanted our child to attend, and force the vaccinations,
any of the damages we had literature for would be their responsibility
and they would be liable. (For Example: they wanted her to have the MMR
- which causes diabetes, and she has a family history, so they would be
liable if she contracted diabetes.) We also provided documentation from
our homeopath, Cindee Gardner, http://www.cindeegardner.com , of
homeopathic alternative remedies that our daughter had taken. They
finally accepted both the alternatives and the exemption after speaking
with their lawyer :-D

pleasanttulip wrote:
>
> Hello, new member here.
>
> I am currently applying at a private college in Missouri. I have
> conscious and religious objections to vaccinations, and my parents
> never had me vaccinated. I submitted a letter to the college stating
> my reasons for declining vaccinations, along with an Affidavit with my
> one of my parents' signatures (at the time, I was a minor). The
> college sent it back. They rejected it on the grounds that they are a
> private college with "a specific policy regarding immunizations".
> According to them, the only way I can receive an exemption is if I
> submit a letter from a doctor stating that I have an allergic reaction
> to the required immunizations.
>
> My questions are:
> a.) Is it really lawful for them to discriminate against my religious
> convictions because they are a private insitution?
> I have searched Missouri laws regarding vaccinations, but the only
> thing I can find is related to K-12 school. In that case, Missouri
> does offer an religious exemption form for children. I can't find
> anything in relation to colleges, though.
>
> b.) If they CAN legally reject my religious exemption claim, how do I
> go about getting a medical exemption? I was told that the doctor that
> submits the letter would be held liable, which is probably not very
> desirable.
>
> I would greatly appreciate any input or assistance!
>
>