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August 19th, 2021 | Press Release

Trumbull, CT (August 19, 2021) – Effective today, August 19, 2021, The Kennedy Center, headquartered in Trumbull, CT, is announcing a new COVID-19 vaccination policy requiring all Board Members and Kennedy Center employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  Where applicable, Board Members and employees can apply for a medical or religious exemption.

The Kennedy Center is providing a 60-day period, ending October 18, 2021, for unvaccinated Board members and employees to become fully vaccinated.

In addition, under the new policy, The Kennedy Center is requiring all contractors that have face-to-face contact with Kennedy Center employees and/or clients be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. These individuals will be required to show proof of vaccination when visiting any Kennedy Center facility or meeting with Kennedy Center employees off-site.

Kennedy Center CEO, Rick Sebastian commented, “The Kennedy Center was founded with an unwavering mission to serve, support and empower people with disabilities to reach their full potential. The safety and wellbeing of our employees - the heart of our organization - and our clients – the soul of our organization - is paramount. With the recent surge of the COVID-19 Delta variant and others that may soon follow, it is incumbent on us, The Kennedy Center Board of Directors and the Senior Leadership Team, to provide the safest possible environment for all during this pandemic, as well as those who choose to join The Kennedy Center family in the future.”

Benjamin Strong, Kennedy Center Board Chairman added, “The Board of Directors fully supports The Kennedy Center’s new mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. As the governing body, it is our responsibility to set the standard and lead by requiring all Board Members be fully vaccinated within the timeframe outlined in the policy.”

2021 marks the 70th Anniversary of the Kennedy Center. Since first opening in 1951, The Kennedy Center has remained steadfast in its mission of creating opportunity for people who have disabilities through its Adult and Community Services, Workforce Development, and Social Enterprise divisions.  Today, The Kennedy Center provides services, supports and employment to more than 2,000 individuals annually in more than 110 communities throughout Connecticut and the State of New York.