Dear Faculty Relations听鈥撎齀鈥檝e heard that our obligation to provide accommodations to students for religious observances has changed recently. Can you give me an update so I can do what is needed? 鈥�听I Want to Get It听Right
Dear I Want to Get It Right听鈥撎鼳s a university, we have always been required to provide accommodations for students and employees when it comes to disability, pregnancy, and religion to ensure nondiscrimination. But last fall, a U.S. Supreme Court decision bolstered protections for those seeking an accommodation for religious observances. Previously, even a minor disruption was considered sufficient grounds to reject a request. Now, a religious accommodation may only be denied if it would cause a substantial burden in the overall operations of our institution. That鈥檚 a much higher bar and more in line with the standard for accommodating a disability or pregnancy.
A religious accommodation is never determined by the 鈥渧alidity鈥� of the religious belief or practice. This means that faculty should not inquire about the religious practice or question the legitimacy of a student鈥檚 religious beliefs. Further, faculty can鈥檛 deny a religious accommodation based on their own personal beliefs (or non-beliefs).
Faculty should not treat absences for a religious accommodation in the same way as other absences from class. We should excuse the absence with no penalty and provide support for the student to complete any missed work, assignments, or exams.
Accommodations can vary based on the course and the class size, but we must offer a reasonable accommodation. You听can always consult with your chair if you are unsure whether a student's request is reasonable or uncertain about the most appropriate way to accommodate.
Be sure to inform your students of exam and assignment due dates at the beginning of the semester (and in your syllabus) and ask that they let you know about their need for a religious accommodation as soon as possible, ideally at least two weeks in advance. You can always consult with the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) by emailing听cureport@colorado.edu for further assistance, and you can find more guidance听here.
Written by Teresa Wroe,听Assistant Vice Chancellor of Prevention Education & Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Julie Volckens, Senior Director of Assessment, Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance.