ASSEMBLY HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 3440

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

     The Assembly Higher Education Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 3440.

     Under current law, institutions of higher education are required to provide any student who, for reason of a religious observance, cannot attend a test or examination at its regular administration with an alternative opportunity to take an equivalent test or examination.  This bill amends that law to also require that an institution provide a student who, for reason of a religious observance, cannot attend class on a day when any type of assignment is due, including papers, presentations, or group assignments, or who is unable to register for courses on a day when students are eligible to participate in course registration, with an alternative opportunity to complete the assignment or register for courses.  The institution is not permitted to impose any type of penalty on a student who is unable to attend class for reason of a religious observance.

      Under the bill, the institution may request that the student provide a written explanation of the religious conflict signed by a clergyman of the student's place of worship.

      As reported by the committee, this bill is identical to Senate Bill No. 2397, which also was reported by the committee on this same date.