Pima County employee fights wrongful termination over vaccine mandate | Top Stories

MARANA, Ariz. (KVOA) – The Arizona Court of Appeals held oral arguments at Mountain View High School in a wrongful termination case brought by a former Pima County employee.

The case stems from a county mandate put into place in 2021, making it mandatory for all employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine if they worked directly with vulnerable populations. David Stone, a defense attorney for the county at that time, fell under the mandate but asked for an exemption due to his religious beliefs.

Stone argues that the county did not properly handle his exemption request and did not help him find reassignment or reappointment. Pima County argues that they never had a chance.

“He also has to make some showing that it is unreasonable and unfair, and we do not have that,” James Rappaport, attorney for Pima County, said.

The case is being heard to determine if the county made a reasonable effort to accommodate Stone’s religious exemption or if he was wrongfully terminated after requesting it. Attorneys on both sides argued over what the county is responsible for and if Stone was offered positions that would accommodate his request.

“All of this is putting the burden on Mr. Stone without looking at anything that the county is supposed to be doing,” Carmen E. Lyon, attorney, said.

The judges in this case are expected to make a ruling in the near future.