Wisconsin woman forced to get flu shot or be fired

When certified nursing assistant Barnell Williams was told she needed to get the flu vaccine for her job in the fall of 2016, she refused, citing religious beliefs that her body was a “Holy Temple.”

Her now former employer, Lasata Care Center, a nursing home in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, allowed employees to be exempt from an annual flu shot if they provided a written note from their clergy leader in support of their request. Those who were exempt had to wear a protective mask while interacting with patients during flu season.

At the time, Williams did not belong to a specific church or religious organization. She informed Lasata that documentation would not be possible ahead of their Oct. 25, 2016 deadline. So, her request was denied and she eventually agreed to the influenza vaccine.