In a compelling legal dispute, a former Los Angeles Police Department officer challenges her termination over the city's COVID-19 vaccination mandate. Jeannine Bedard filed an appeal in the Court of Appeal of the State of California, Second Appellate District, on October 31, 2024, against the City of Los Angeles. The case underscores tensions between public health mandates and individual rights within employment contexts.
The case began when Bedard refused to comply with Los Angeles' COVID-19 vaccination policy, which required city employees to be vaccinated or apply for an exemption by specific deadlines in 2021. Her refusal led to disciplinary actions by the LAPD Board of Rights, which upheld her termination for failing to meet employment conditions. Despite finding procedural violations regarding response time under Skelly v. State Personnel Board (1975), which requires due process before termination, Bedard was awarded back pay but not reinstatement.
Bedard's appeal argues that her termination was unjust as it was based solely on her refusal to sign what she deemed an illegal contract—the Notice of Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Requirements. She claimed this notice violated California Labor Code section 2802 by requiring employees to bear testing costs. However, both the trial court and the appellate court found substantial evidence supporting her dismissal based on non-compliance with the vaccination mandate itself rather than just failing to sign the notice.
Throughout proceedings, Bedard maintained that her decision stemmed from personal convictions and concerns about vaccine safety following an adverse reaction experienced by her daughter. Her stance highlights broader debates about mandatory health measures and personal choice during pandemics.
Ultimately, Bedard seeks reinstatement and removal of disciplinary records from her file alongside back pay already awarded for due process violations. The appellate court's affirmation of the lower court's ruling reflects ongoing judicial support for employer-imposed health mandates amid public health crises.
Representing Bedard is attorney Gregory G. Yacoubian while Hydee Feldstein Soto leads the defense team for Los Angeles with assistance from Denise C. Mills and others from the City Attorney’s office. The case was presided over by Judge James C. Chalfant under Case ID B331062.