University Religious Policies & Accommodations
Handbook Policies
Discrimination and Harassment
Suffolk University is committed to providing a successful learning and working environment for all members of its community free from any harassing or discriminatory conduct. Discrimination and harassment are unlawful and undermine the core values and the principles upon which Suffolk University was founded.
Suffolk University is committed to providing an environment that advances equal opportunity and is free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law. This commitment applies to the University’s administration of, operation of and access to its academic and non-academic programs, policies and services as well as to its employment policies and practices.
The University prohibits retaliation against individuals who report discrimination or harassment, assist another in reporting a complaint or otherwise participate in an investigation. Accordingly, acts of discrimination or harassment or retaliation will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or dismissal or expulsion from the University.
Discrimination and Harassment Policy and campus resources.
Non-Proselytizing
Suffolk University does not tolerate any behavior that constitutes harassment on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.
In light of this harassment policy, it is appropriate to further clarify that Suffolk University, its religious groups, and its religious coordinators are committed to mutual respect and non-proselytization. Any form of religious harassment and manipulation is opposed, while the roles of personal freedom, doubt, and open critical reflection in healthy spiritual growth are affirmed. Religious harassment is constituted by coercive behavior that affects one’s personal freedom to choose one’s own religious practices.
Attendance & Absences
An Act Excusing the Absence of Students for Their Religious Beliefs
In keeping with the amendment of Chapter 151C of the Massachusetts General Laws, Section 2B, any student in an educational or vocational training institution, other than a religious or denominational educational or vocational training institution, who is unable, because of their religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day shall be excused from any such examination or study or work requirement, and shall be provided with an opportunity to make up such examination, study, or work requirement that may have been missed because of such absence on any particular day, provided, however, that such makeup examination or work shall not create an unreasonable burden upon the school. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the institution for making available to the said student such opportunity. No adverse or prejudicial effects shall result to any students availing themselves of the provisions of this section.
Please contact The Reverend Amy L. Fisher or the Student Affairs Office with any questions regarding absences for religious reasons.
Accommodations
Have questions or concerns regarding housing or meal plan accommodations for religious reasons? Please contact The Reverend Amy L. Fisher or the Office of Disability Services with any questions.
Access The Housing Accommodations form.