The Director of the Air Force Review Boards Agency has determined that USAF Colonel Katheryn Ellis was a victim of illegal discrimination due to her Christian beliefs when she was relieved of command. The director ordered that Ellis's record be corrected and that she be considered for promotion to brigadier general. This is the first time a violation of a religious objection to the COVID vaccine has been substantiated, and the victim of religious discrimination had their record expunged.
The Air Force Review Boards Agency was established to handle military and civilian personnel matters, and it reports directly to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. They have the power to change military records, correct information, and order retroactive promotions if necessary.
Colonel Ellis had received a religious exemption from taking the COVID vaccine, but her boss, Colonel Seth Graham, ordered her to issue a vaccination order to her subordinates. Ellis believed this conflicted with her religious beliefs and consulted with the base legal office. On their advice, she had another commander issue the order on her behalf. However, she was later relieved of command because she did not issue the order herself.
Ellis filed a complaint and with the help of a military law attorney, she took her case to administrative channels and won. The review board found that she had been discriminated against and that she had followed the appropriate steps. As a result, her record was corrected, and any adverse actions taken against her were reversed.
This decision sets a precedent in the military and may help other members of the Armed Forces who have been dismissed for holding firm to their beliefs. It highlights the importance of religious accommodation and the need for commanders to follow directions, even if they disagree with them.
