Maryland House Bill HB912

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/23
• Refer: 2/9/23

Caption

Public Institutions of Higher Education – Faith–Based and Religious Beliefs – Academic Accommodations Policy

Impact

The impact of HB912 will be significant as it requires higher education institutions to be proactive in accommodating the religious needs of students. This not only introduces uniformity across public institutions in Maryland regarding religious observance but also compels them to create specific policies that recognize and support the diverse faith expressions amongst their student body. The provisions for alternative accommodations for missed academic requirements due to religious observance reinforce students’ rights and acknowledge the importance of faith in their educational journeys.

Summary

House Bill 912 seeks to mandate that all public institutions of higher education in Maryland implement written policies that provide reasonable academic accommodations for students to practice their sincerely held religious beliefs. The bill's objective is to ensure that students can observe religious holidays and participate in religious activities without facing academic penalties. Specifically, it allows for the excusal of up to three absences per academic semester for these purposes, thereby aiming to create a more inclusive academic environment for students of diverse faiths.

Conclusion

Overall, HB912 is aimed at fostering a respectful and accommodating atmosphere in educational settings for students of all faiths. It reflects a growing acknowledgment of the diversity in both student populations and the need for public institutions to be sensitive to the personal beliefs of their constituents.

Contention

Although the bill is broadly supportive of academic freedom and religious expression, there may be some contention surrounding its implementation. Critics could argue that accommodating religious practices might complicate academic scheduling or set a precedent raising concerns about the separation of church and state within public education. Additionally, institutions may face challenges in balancing the need for academic rigor with the necessity of accommodating religious observance, especially in courses with strict attendance policies.