Why Central And South Can Allow Unvaxxed Prom-Goers

HINSDALE, IL — Earlier this month, Hinsdale Central High School feared it would be unable to allow unvaccinated students to go to prom at Chicago's Field Museum. So the school said it would search for alternate sites where it could let in students, regardless of vaccination status.

Then, the school said it could allow unvaccinated students into the April 30 prom at the museum. It said school employees and chaperones, though, must show proof of vaccination. Hinsdale South went through a similar process, with its prom set for Chicago's Shedd Aquarium.

On the surface, it appeared that allowing unvaccinated students would violate Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot's order prohibiting those 5 and older without vaccine cards from entering indoor venues. Even the museum's website cites that policy.

But Chicago's executive order exempts those 18 or younger who are taking part in activities organized or sponsored by schools. The museum fails to note that exemption on its site.

The Field Museum's public relations employees have not returned calls for the last two weeks.

According to Hinsdale High School District 86, 81 percent of Central students are vaccinated, compared with 58 percent at Hinsdale South.

Vaccination mandates have sparked angry debates nationwide. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have backed the vaccination, but disagree on mandates.