Requires cancellation of classes at state universities on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, unless chancellor grants exemption

BILL NUMBER:S2615

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to observance of certain holidays by institutions within the state university and the city university of New York

Purpose or general idea of bill

To prohibit the scheduling of classes on the days of religious observance known as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Summary of specific provisions

The education law is amended by adding a new section 361 stating that no class or any other course shall be held within the SUNY system on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

A new section 6235 of the education law, stating that no class or any other course shall be held within the CUNY system on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Justification

Scheduled classes and laboratories on holy days produce a strain and hardship on both students and faculty. In the case of laboratories which are progressive, it is particularly difficult to make up the missed labs. The difficulty is increased because academic activity of all kinds is proscribed on the high holy days. The fulfillment of Jewish religious requirements and neglect of academic duties can cause an emotional hardship apart from actual academic results. Canceling classes on the high holy days would produce occasions when an instructor and student have to make special arrangements for retests, makeup labs, and missed lectures.

Prior legislative history

This bill has been previously introduced.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.