Henrietta, USA — The parents of a Rochester-area student are suing their son's school district after he wasn't allowed to play lacrosse because he refused a tetanus shot on religious grounds.
A federal lawsuit brought by Howard and Barbara Hadley claims the Rush-Henrietta Central School District violated 16-year-old Harry's constitutional rights. They're seeking one million dollars in damages and a temporary order that would allow him to play while the case is pending.
The Hadleys obtained a waiver from immunizations under the public health law in September 1998 for their three school-age children. The Roman Catholic family says they have strong personal beliefs about vaccines.
District officials say a child's right to a public education under law doesn't cover athletics, and the immunization exemption covers only academics.