“The general answer to your question is no, there’s nothing impermissible about a private employer terminating an employee solely because they refused a COVID-19 vaccine.”

Mehdizadegan said there are two exceptions.

Discrimination against an employee for religion or disability.

“We’re an employment-at-will jurisdiction which means the employer and employee can terminate the employment contract at-will for good reason, bad reason, no reason at all. As long as it’s not a discriminatory reason. And that’s where the exceptions come into play,” Mehdizadegan said.

So we can verify – a public employer is prohibited from making the COVID-19 mandatory. But if you work for a private company, there is no basis under Arkansas law that prohibits the employer from making the vaccine a requirement.

If you need us to verify a question or concern – let us help. Send us an email to [email protected], text us at 501-376-1111 or reach out on social media.