Religious Accommodations

Religion includes traditional, organized religions but also sincerely held religious beliefs, including those that are new, uncommon, or not part of a formal church or sect. All aspects of religious belief and observance that are sincerely held will be considered as part of this policy.

Reasonable accommodation is a reasonable change in the academic environment that enables a student to practice or otherwise observe a sincerely held religious practice or belief without undue hardship on HCC. A reasonable religious accommodation may include, but is not limited to, time for prayer during the academic day, the ability to attend religious events or observe a religious holiday, or any necessary modification to HCC policy, procedure or other requirement for a student’s religious beliefs, observance or practice, provided such accommodation is reasonable and does not cause undue hardship.

Religious belief or belief is a belief, practice, or observance that includes moral or ethical beliefs as to what is right and wrong, that is sincerely held with the strength of traditional religious views, even if no religious group espouses such beliefs, or the religious group to which the individual professes to belong may not accept such belief. Social, political, or economic philosophies, as well as mere personal preferences, are not religious beliefs or practices, Religious holy day is a holy day on which the tenets of a religion prohibit the religion’s members from participating in secular activities, such as classes.

Undue hardship is an accommodation, considering the totality of the circumstances, that would impose more than a minimal cost or burden on HCC. Undue hardship may refer to financial difficulty in providing an accommodation, or accommodations that are unduly expensive, substantial, disruptive, or that would fundamentally alter the academic requirements or nature of a class or program. Accommodations which interfere with the safe and efficient operation of the campus will often present an undue hardship. If a particular requested accommodation imposes an undue hardship, HCC should consider whether alternative accommodation is available and can be proposed that would not impose an undue hardship.

HCC shall excuse a student from attending classes or other required activities, including examinations, for the observance of a religious holy day, including travel for that purpose. A student whose absence is excused under this subsection may not be penalized for that absence and shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment from which the student is excused within a reasonable time after the absence. If a student does not complete an examination or assignment within the reasonable time, an instructor may appropriately respond in the same manner as if the student failed to complete an examination or assignment for a non-religious reason.

Any request for additional time to complete an assignment, for alternative due dates, or for time off to observe a religious holy day, should normally be made at least five (5) business days prior to the deadline/holy day and preferably at the beginning of the semester if accommodations are anticipated. All requests for religious accommodation shall be made to the Director of Counseling and Ability Services in the HCC Counseling Office using the Religious Accommodation Intake Request Form. HCC expects the student to provide sufficient notice of the request, in order for HCC to have enough time to consider the request and implement any accommodations. Sufficient notice may vary, based on what is being requested and the complexity of any accommodation.

HCC generally will not question whether a request for religious accommodation is based on a sincerely held religious belief. However, if HCC has genuine reason to doubt that a belief qualifies as religious, or is sincerely held, HCC may make a limited inquiry, asking for supporting documentation. The documentation submitted may include the requestor's first-hand explanation, or explanations from others, such as a religious official or clergy member, who are aware of the religious practice or belief. Requested documentation or information shall be provided by the student within two (2) business days of the request. Failure to provide requested documentation will be considered in evaluating the request and may result in a denial of the requested accommodation.

The Counseling Office will, within a reasonable time period, make a decision either granting, denying, or modifying the requested accommodation, or suggesting any alternative accommodations that may be available and that would not impose an undue hardship. De- terminations regarding accommodation requests will be made on a case-by-case basis taking into account factors including but not limited to, the fundamental requirements of the applicable academic program and/or related technical standards, the requirements of the department or major, any impact of the accommodation, the duration of the accommodation request, and the availability of alternative accommodations. The decision will be communicated to the student in writing (including email or other electronic communication). The Religious Accommodation Form, the written decision, and any other documents shall be maintained by the Counseling Office.

A student who disagrees with the decision regarding a request for reasonable religious accommodation may file a written complaint with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Special Programs and Success. A response to the appeal will normally be made within ten (10) business days of receipt.

Reports of discrimination based on religion may be directed to the Director of EEO and Compliance.

Retaliation of any kind against anyone involved in a request for religious accommodation is strictly prohibited. Any person who feels they are experiencing retaliation should contact the Director of EEO & Compliance. Any person who violates this anti-retaliation provision may be subject to disciplinary consequences or corrective action.