Dear OBT School families,
In light of the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic and to best protect the health of our students, faculty and staff OBT has implemented a vaccination policy for all OBT School students.
OBT School students 3 years old and older are required to either present proof of vaccination* or a verified exemption based on medical or sincerely held religious beliefs. If granted one of these two exemptions for each day they attend classes upon entering OBT’s building the student must provide results of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours.
Proof of vaccination or one of the two permitted exemptions, accompanied by results of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken with 48 hours, must be presented on the first day the student attends class in OBT’s studios.
Children’s roles in OBT’s productions are restricted to OBT School students who are fully vaccinated*. For George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker the student must be fully vaccinated by the first rehearsal, scheduled for September 17. If the student is not yet fully vaccinated by the date of the audition, scheduled for September 10, then they must provide results of a negative COVID-19 PCR test take within 48 hours. Details on The Nutcracker auditions will follow soon. Please reference the OBT Student Production Blog for additional information and direct all The Nutcracker audition or performance related questions to coordinator@obt.org.
*Vaccination is defined as having received either:
- both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna formula followed by the subsequent two-week period for full effectiveness.
- single dose of the Johnson & Johnson Janssen formula followed by the subsequent two-week period for full effectiveness.
- and as available all CDC recommended boosters.
How to Request an Exemption
To request an exemption from this policy you are required to complete OBT’s Request for Exemption from Vaccination Policy Form and submit it to OBT’s Human Resources department for review. Please e-mail business@obt.org to request and submit an exemption form. On the form please include all relevant information, including:
- A description of the exemption requested.
- The reason for the exemption.
OBT reserves the right to request additional documentation supporting the need for an exemption. OBT will keep confidential any medical information obtained in connection with your request for an exemption. However, we ask that you not provide any genetic information to OBT when responding to a request for additional information [or providing proof of vaccination] in compliance with this policy (see GINA Safe Harbor below).
GINA Safe Harbor
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) prohibits employers and other entities covered by GINA Title II from requesting or requiring genetic information of an individual or family member of the individual, except as specifically allowed by this law. To comply with this law, OBT asks that you not provide any genetic information when responding to this request for medical information.
“Genetic information,” as defined by GINA, includes:
- An individual’s family medical history.
- The results of an individual’s or family member’s genetic tests.
- The fact that an individual or an individual’s family member sought or received genetic services.
- Genetic information of a fetus carried by an individual or an individual’s family member or an embryo lawfully held by an individual or family member receiving assistive reproductive services.
Determinations
OBT makes determinations about requested accommodations and exemptions on a case-by-case basis considering various factors and based on an individualized assessment in each situation. OBT strives to make these determinations expeditiously and in a fair and nondiscriminatory manner and will inform the individual requesting exemption after a determination is made. Please direct questions regarding an exemption request you made to OBT’s HR Department at business@obt.org.
We greatly appreciate your understanding and continued support.
Sincerely,
Oregon Ballet Theatre
