Religion and Creed Discrimination
The University may not discriminate in any aspect of the work or educational environment on the basis of religion or creed. Religion and creed can have the same or equivalent meaning. They include all religious and spiritual observances, practices, and sincerely held beliefs.
The University is required to accommodate student and employees’ sincerely held religious observances or practices, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the work or business of the University. An undue hardship can occur, for example, if an accommodation would require violating the terms of a seniority system.
As a public entity, the University cannot be in a position of supporting, or appearing to support, one religion or spiritual practice. Today’s world finds an increasing number of religions in our society.
EOAA encourages staff and faculty to consult our Holiday/Religious Observance Calendar at www.eoaa.umn.edu before scheduling events or exams. The policy on Student/Employee Absences for Religious Holidays is found on the University's Policy Library website as well as in collective bargaining unit agreements.