I. Scope:
This policy applies to all George Mason University (“George Mason”) faculty, staff, students, contractors, applicants for admission and employment, and visitors.
II. Policy Statement:
George Mason recognizes that Reasonable Accommodations relating to university policies, procedures, or academic, employment, or other requirements may be necessary for individuals to exercise Religious practices, beliefs, or observances. George Mason shall adhere to all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to engaging in an interactive process to identify and provide Reasonable Accommodations as necessary to afford individuals the opportunity to exercise Religious practices, beliefs, or observances.
The attached procedures provide the process for requesting Reasonable Accommodations related to Religious practices, beliefs, or observances. In assessing requests for Reasonable Accommodations based on Religion, the University will engage in an interactive process to determine Reasonable Accommodations that address the individual’s Religious beliefs. Unless the Religious belief would result in the individual committing an overt act that threatens public safety, peace, or order, the University will work with the individual and other applicable parties to identify a Reasonable Accommodation that addresses the Religious belief without unduly burdening the University or fundamentally altering the academic or operational practices of the University (an “Undue Hardship”). Before denying a request for Religious accommodation that does not threaten public safety, peace, or order, the University must assess whether it can address potential burdens through a less restrictive means that does not prevent the individual from engaging in or practicing their Religious belief.
III. Definitions:
Reasonable Accommodation: an intervention or other support that enables an individual to obtain equal access to employment and/or educational opportunities. An accommodation is reasonable if it does not create an Undue Hardship for the University.
Religion or Religious: all aspects of religious observance and practice as well as belief. Religion includes not only traditional, organized religions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, but also religious beliefs that are new, uncommon, not part of a formal church or sect, only subscribed to by a small number of people, or that seem illogical or unreasonable to others. A practice may be a religious belief held by an individual even if newly adopted, not consistently observed, or different from the commonly followed tenets of the individual’s religion.
Undue Hardship: an action requiring significant difficulty or expense for the University, or fundamentally altering the academic or operational practices of the University. Requested accommodations that create an Undue Hardship for the University are not reasonable and may not be enacted.
IV. Responsibilities:
The Religious Accommodation Procedure provides the procedure with which anyone affiliated with George Mason must engage in obtaining a Religious Accommodation. Questions about this process may be directed to OACC at [email protected] or 703-993-8730.
Students, applicants for admission, employees, applicants for employment, campus visitors, or contractors that may need Reasonable Accommodations based on Religion should complete a Religious Accommodations Request Form or contact OACC at [email protected] or 703-993-8730.
Per the Religious Accommodation Procedure, employees should use leaves of absence when necessary for religious observation or practice and should work directly with their supervisors (e.g. department chairs, director-level supervisors, or equivalent managers) regarding using leave or creating telework arrangements, without the need for OACC review. Supervisors may consult with OACC for guidance in making determinations on religious accommodation requests related to leave. Supervisors must consult with OACC prior to denying any request to use leaves of absence or telework arrangements due to a religious observance or practice.
Any individual with questions about discrimination or claiming that they have been discriminated against on the basis of Religion may contact OACC at [email protected] or 703-993-8730.
V. Compliance:
OACC is charged with monitoring George Mason’s compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related federal and state laws and regulations, and this Policy. OACC is also responsible for coordinating George Mason’s Religious Accommodation requests and taking appropriate actions to provide equal access to employment and educational opportunities.
All employees are required to comply with Religious Accommodations issued by OACC.
VI. Timetable for Review:
This policy, and any related procedures, shall be reviewed biennially and/or as needed.
VII. Amendments:
Amendments will be approved by the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and the Provost and Executive Vice President.
VIII. Dates:
This policy was approved and became effective on March 16, 2026.
Page created: March 24, 2026