This letter can be modified for use when requesting accommodation of either Sabbath classes, or testing.
DATE
PERSON'S NAME
ORGANIZATION NAME
ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, ZIP
RE: (NAME OF STUDENT)
Dear (PERSON’S NAME):
I am writing to request a religious accommodation with respect to attendance at classes AND/OR exams on my Sabbath. I am a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. I observe the Sabbath from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday as a day devoted to God, for worship and weekly rest. Sabbath has been observed from ancient times and is well recognized in American law. It would require me to violate my faith to attend (NAME OF CLASS/EXAM) on Sabbath. The Sabbath is sacred to me, and I devote these hours to God.
(WRITE A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBBLEM I.E., I AM CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN OR A CLASS I NEED FOR GRADUATION IS) is (NAME OF CLASS) taught by (NAME OF FACULTY). It is scheduled to meet (IDENTIFY SCHEDULE). OR DESCRIBE THE SPECIFIC EXAM, COURSE NUMBER AND SCHEDULE DATE.
I am asking for an accommodation so that I am not required to choose between my faith and my academic career. I trust that your institution is fully committed to principles of equality, diversity, inclusion and non-discrimination. Surely, you don’t want a student excluded from achieving academic excellence on account of her religion! The institution already provides considerable accommodation for the majority religious sensibilities and practices by not scheduling courses and exams on Sunday. I am only asking for the same consideration.
Thank you for your anticipated courtesy in considering this request, and cooperating with me to determine the best way to accommodate my Sabbath observance.
Respectfully,
(YOUR NAME)
cc: Alan J. Reinach, Esq.
Executive Director and General Counsel
Church State Council