KAYSVILLE—Employees of Kaysville City were surprised last week by an email sent out by City Manager Shayne Scott urging them to get the COVID-19 vaccine and then suggesting that society should discriminate against those who choose not to get it.

His comments were shared on social media and have garnered a great deal of attention. Scott has since apologized for his remarks in an email sent out on Sunday to staff saying, “I don’t want to shame anyone for not getting the vaccine.”

“I want to underscore that Shayne was trying to encourage employees to get the vaccine because he cares about them and wants them to be healthy,” said Kaysville Mayor Katie Witt. “He strayed into personal opinion which was inappropriate. He has apologized and I want employees to know they won’t be discriminated against if they don’t get the vaccine.”

It is their choice, she said. “The city does not discriminate. We support everybody’s right to decide for themselves.”

“I know many of us have different beliefs when it comes to this vaccine, and I overstepped sharing mine,” Scott said in the email. “My intent was to just encourage and never to shame. We can disagree on this, masks, and really anything and still do great work together.”

Scott said he was sorry for his choice of words. “I want what’s best for this city and the employees that work here. I hope that I will be judged on my five years in Kaysville and not one email exchange.”

Witt said Scott would not be fired because of his comments. “We’re not willing to throw him away over this incident,” she said. “He’s a great city manager. We’re lucky to have him. I’m sick of this cancel culture. Even if we disagree with people we can treat them with respect and it goes both ways.”