Religious Accommodation for AI Use at University of Kentucky

A University of Kentucky employee has secured a religious accommodation to avoid using artificial intelligence in his work. David Durman, a 45-year-old research administrator, argued that AI conflicts with his humanist beliefs. He edits grant applications and handles compliance duties.

Durman sought accommodation when the university began encouraging AI use, though use wasn’t mandatory. He was concerned it might become required. His request was approved on September 25. The American Humanist Association (AHA) assisted him, marking the first known AI accommodation for a humanist.

“As a Humanist, promoting the well-being and flourishing of humanity is paramount to how I live my life, and I believe that our capacity to think and reason for ourselves is worth protecting,” Durman stated, reflecting his objection particularly towards generative AI and large language models.

His case reflects how religious protections apply as AI becomes more prevalent. Another example includes Erin Maus, a software engineer who received a similar concession because of her religious and ethical concerns with AI.

The University of Kentucky is expanding AI use through its Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy. The initiative aims to increase access to AI tools among students and staff. By June, over 2,000 employees connected with AI training opportunities. The university is incorporating tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot and GitHub Copilot.

Jay Blanton, a university spokesperson, explained that accommodations are considered based on an employee’s sincere beliefs and job responsibilities. Changes in either could prompt reviews.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees from religious discrimination. Reasonable accommodations are required unless they cause undue hardship. The Supreme Court’s decision in Groff v. DeJoy clarified that hardships must entail significant costs to the employer.

Durman’s accommodation doesn’t fully exempt him from AI. He may attend meetings involving AI or work with colleagues who use it. However, he isn’t required to directly use AI tools in his role.

Humanism, as Durman identifies, is a non-theistic philosophy emphasizing human agency and ethics. While AHA notes diverse opinions among humanists on AI, Durman’s stance stems from his belief in personal cognitive responsibility.