Policy 2.07

Part 1. Purpose

Minneapolis College is committed to respecting the religious beliefs and practices of all members of the community as well as to making accommodations for observances of special significance to adherents. This commitment is upheld in accordance with Minnesota State Board of Trustees Policy 1B.1 Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education. 

Part 2. Definitions

The following definitions are used in this policy:

Sincerely held religious belief:A belief system, a set of moral or ethical beliefs, which could include the practices and/or observances connected with the set of beliefs. A creed is very important to the person who believes it. A creed is like a religion, but it does not have to involve a God or Gods. This definition is founded on the definition established by the Minnesota Human Rights Act. 

Student: Those classifications of student defined by Minnesota State Board of Trustees Policy 1B.1 Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education as well as individuals who register for non-credit courses offered by the College.

Employee: An individual employed by Minneapolis College or employed by the State of Minnesota or the Minnesota State system who works at Minneapolis College. This includes, but is not limited to staff, faculty, and administrators.

Reasonable time: An accommodation is not reasonable if it results in undue burden or hardship for Minneapolis College or if it results in a fundamental alteration or compromises the essential elements of an academic standard.

Part 3. Students

Students' sincerely held religious beliefs shall be reasonably accommodated with respect to scheduling and other academic requirements. Students should provide the instructor with a request for an academic accommodation due to religious belief within a reasonable time before the needed accommodation.

Part 4. Employees

Employees' sincerely held religious beliefs shall be reasonably accommodated with respect to work schedules and other workplace requirements. Employees should provide their supervisor with a request for a workplace accommodation due to religious belief within a reasonable time before the needed accommodation.

Owner(s) Title: Vice President of Human Resources and Workforce Equity, And the Vice President of Equity and Inclusion 

Date of Adoption: 4/20/2004

Date of Implementation (if different from adoption date): N/A

Date Last Amended: 4/8/20206 (Comprehensive Review)

History and Subject of Revisions: 4/8/2026 (Comprehensive Review. Added reference to system policy 1B.1 into the Purpose. Added definitions section (defined sincerely held beliefs, student, employee, and reasonable time). Added Part headings for student and employee to clearly delineate information.), 5/12/2022 (Limited Review), 4/20/2004

Regulatory Authority (e.g. Minnesota State policy, federal or state law): Minnesota State Board of Trustees Policy 1B.1 Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education