Disclaimer: The following are examples that can be considered or even used when faced with a similar situation. These examples are simply samples and should not be construed as advice (legal or otherwise), predictors or indicators of a specific or desirable result. To better help you determine whether a policy may have been violated and in evaluating what actions may be taken, it is advisable to reach out to a peer organization for further assistance like StandWithUs.

STEP 1: UNDERSTAND / KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

As a student, you may be entitled to accommodations for religious observances under federal law, such as Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Additionally, some states have laws expressly requiring educational institutions to reasonably accommodate student religious exercise, and many universities have policies that require faculty to honor and respect religious holidays. These laws and policies are designed to ensure that students can practice their faith without academic penalty. For assistance in determining whether a law or policy may have been violated and in evaluating what actions to take when this occurs, you may want to reach out to an organization like StandWithUs.

STEP 2: APPROACH THE PROFESSOR TO REQUEST A DATE/TIME CHANGE

One way of quickly determining whether a request for a religious accommodation is needed is to review the course syllabus as soon as it is provided, and cross-check the dates of the Jewish holidays that you plan to observe with the dates your class meets, as well as the class exam schedule.  If a class or exam interferes with your religious observance and a request for an accommodation is warranted, make sure to approach the professor with this request well in advance to allow them ample time and notice to make any necessary accommodations. When contacting your professor, be straightforward and professional, and clearly explain your religious needs. It can be helpful to propose a plan for making up missed work or assignments. It is important that you make the request for accommodation in writing and get the professor’s response in writing as well. An example of an email illustrating such a request is provided in the link below.

📩Click here for a draft you can use to provide a Notice of Absence due to a Jewish Holiday📩

STEP 3: IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE, OR THERE IS PUSHBACK FROM THE PROFESSOR - ESCALATE TO THE DEPARTMENT HEAD

If your professor ignores or denies your request for a religious accommodation, it may be necessary to escalate the issue to the department head. An example of an email illustrating an email to the department head in such a situation is provided in the link below.

📩Click here for a draft you can use to request accommodations from your department 📩