From the Chief Diversity Officer

Faculty members need to be aware of the University’s legal obligation to accommodate the religious needs of students.  Under New York State Education Law § 224(a):

1. No person shall be expelled from or be refused admission as a student to an institution of higher education for the reason that (s)he is unable, because of his/her religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study or work requirements on a particular day or days.
2. Any student who is unable, because of his/her religious beliefs, to attend classes on a particular day or days shall, because of such absence on the particular day or days, be excused from any examination or any study or work requirements.
3. It shall be the responsibility of the faculty and of the administrative officials to make available to each student who is absent from school, because of religious belief, an equivalent opportunity to make up any examination, study or work requirement that (s)he may have missed because of such absence. No fees of any kind shall be charged.
4. If classes, examinations, study or work requirements are held on Friday after four o'clock post meridian or on Saturday, similar or makeup classes, examinations, study or work requirements shall be made available on other days, where it is possible and practicable to do so. No fees of any kind shall be charged.
5. It is the duty of the faculty and of the administrative officials to exercise the fullest measure of good faith. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any student because of availing him/herself of the provisions of this law.

Students are encouraged to work with their faculty in anticipation of any scheduled religious observance.  If faculty have a question regarding the “reasonableness” of an accommodation, please feel free to reach out to:  Lisa Morrison-Fronckowiak, Chief Diversity Officer at morrislt@buffalostate.edu.