The law prohibits discrimination based on religion, requiring employers and educational institutions to provide reasonable accommodations for religious beliefs, practices, observances.
Religious Accommodations Guide for the Classroom
Students: Instructors shall provide students with reasonable alternative accommodations with regard to examinations and other academic requirements with respect to students’ sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, and organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or other religious or spiritual organizations. Students may take up to three excused absences per semester for religious observance or practice. These absences cannot be penalized (e.g., provided in addition to instructor absence policy). The university will not question the sincerity of a student’s religious or spiritual belief system nor whether those beliefs require the activity, only whether the activity aligns with those beliefs. Learn more about Section 3345.026 of the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio State University Policy on Religious Accommodations.
Additionally, students may request religious accommodations related to Housing and Residence Education as well as Dining Services by emailing civilrights@osu.edu or calling 614-247-5838.
Employees: Employers shall provide reasonable religious workplace accommodations. This may involve a change in the work environment, requirements, or in the way tasks or responsibilities are customarily done that enables an employee to participate in their religious practice or belief without undue hardship on the conduct of our business or operation. Visit the Human Resources webpage and navigate to the “Religious Accommodation” tab to find the Religious Accommodation Request.
If you would like to request other religious accommodations, email civilrights@osu.edu or call 614-247-5838.
Examples of religious accommodations include but are not limited to:
- Accommodations in residence life
- Alternate exam or work schedules
- Space for rituals
- Exceptions to dress codes (e.g., hijab, religious jewelry)
- Dietary needs
- Vaccine requirements
- Grooming practices (e.g., hair, facial hair, etc.)
If you believe you were denied reasonable religious accommodations or you experience harassment or discrimination based on your religion, submit an incident report.