University administration announced the implementation of a new policy governing the ability of students, staff, and faculty members to claim time away for religious observances. The new policy sets more specific requirements and expectations for the accommodation request process, including the ability to appeal denied requests.
The new Stevens Religious Accommodation Policy affirms the university’s commitment to religious inclusivity while outlining clear steps that will allow the school to afford community members time away from official responsibilities. Requests must be submitted and approved or denied in writing to maintain the transparency of the process. Separate request and appeal forms for both students and faculty or staff can be found attached to the policy sheet, which is now catalogued in the University Policy Library.
Examples of accommodations that may be granted include providing time off due to an observance, rescheduling of an exam or assignment deadline, and adjusting an athletic uniform to be compatible with religious requirements.
The policy encourages forms to be submitted as early as possible in the semester, and mandatorily at least 14 days in advance of the requested date. Granted exemptions last up to a semester for students and up to an academic year for faculty and staff. In addition to form submissions, the policy requires that individuals notify key personnel and colleagues. For student athletes, a separate form for each sport must be submitted to notify coaches of requests.
Supervisors are told to engage in an “interactive” process with employees or student workers who ask for accommodations, and that they “should aim to respond in most cases” within five working days to requests.
Stevens says it will make “reasonable” efforts to provide accommodations and reserves the right to deny, amend, or revoke accommodations that would cause an undue burden. The University says it will only consider an accommodation as causing undue burden after a careful and thorough evaluation of all relevant factors in each case, including financial, business, and education quality-related considerations.
In the case that an accommodation is denied, an official appeal may be submitted within five days. All appeals will be considered by designated academic or administrative leaders depending on the role of the requester.
The change comes as prominent American universities, like Columbia in New York City, have beenmaking headlines after failing to reconcile competing student views involving free speech, the right to protest, and the obligation of institutions of higher education to protect First Amendment rights while also maintaining smooth operations and community safety. Although Stevens has navigated recent national turbulence with comparatively little conflict, these policy refreshers are a reminder of the difficult work it takes to sustain an inclusive, respectful academic environment in a diverse and pluralistic community.
