DeAnn Stephens Cox has been a television reporter for WKYT-TV for 27 years, a long time to be at one station in local news, but, as of now, she’s toast.

THE highlight of my professional career has been my genuine love for the people of Kentucky! YOU make my work every day feel like an expression of friendship. Every day I have been “Out & About” has brought me the honor of meeting some of the kindest Kentuckians!

DeAnn Stephens Cox, from her Facebook page.

But I am writing this post in response to inquiries I have received over the last several hours and an announcement by WKYT-TV, Gray Television that some of you have heard.

Gray required all employees to be vaccinated against COVID. Unfortunately, due to my medical history, my physician has told me I am NOT a candidate for the Covid Vaccination. I have explained my medical history and provided my doctor’s records and her opinion to Gray.

But sadly Gray has terminated my employment instead.

This is NOT about being FOR or AGAINST vaccinations! This is about following my Doctor’s recommendation to NOT get it because my past medical history and current medical issues.

Here’s where I stand: If you want to get the vaccine and you feel that’s best for you and your family, then I say get it!

I also feel that those, like me, should also be accommodated.

Out of respect for everyone’s differing views, I will not be responding to comments on any social media platform.

So after 27 years with WKYT, that’s a WRAP!

But don’t forget, the radio comes in loud and clear on 98.1 The Bull AND you will definitely be seeing me ‘Out & About!’

I’ve been so incredibly blessed by all of your love and support over the years!! Thank you for that!

‘Trust in Jesus with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.’ Proverbs 3:5

I’m listening Lord!! I’m listening!!

I love you guys so very much.

Now, why would Gray Television discharge Mrs Cox for not taking the COVID-19 vaccine when her doctor told he that she was not a safe candidate for it, and she provided her physician’s records to her employer? She wasn’t a public, or even private, anti-vaxxer, but someone with a valid medical reason, and the documentation to prove it. That can’t be anything but political mindlessness, because Gray’s lawyers must surely have warned them that they were making themselves vulnerable to a lawsuit.

Given that all other employees were vaccinated, it would have been simple to provide Mrs Cox with what the law would refer to as a reasonable accommodation. Mrs Cox needs to file a multi-million dollar lawsuit against her former employers.