University of Kentucky Grants AI Exemption to Humanist Employee
David Durman, a research administrator, sought the Title VII accommodation with help from the American Humanist Association.
A 45-year-old research administrator at the University of Kentucky has received a religious accommodation exempting him from using AI tools at work, according to Gizmodo. David Durman, who identifies as a humanist, was granted the exemption by the university's Office of Equal Opportunity from requirements to use AI for his personal tasks.
Durman sought the accommodation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act with help from the American Humanist Association. He is believed to be the first humanist to obtain such an exemption from using AI.
The accommodation does not remove him from all contact with the technology: he may still be required to attend meetings and cooperate with colleagues who use AI.
Earlier this year, Unitarian Universalist Erin Maus received an exemption from using AI for her software engineering job on religious grounds. The University of Kentucky reportedly encouraged its employees to use tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot.
Quick answers
What did the University of Kentucky grant David Durman?
A religious accommodation exempting him from requirements to use AI tools for his personal tasks at work.
On what grounds was the exemption sought?
Durman identifies as a humanist and sought the accommodation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act with help from the American Humanist Association.
Does the exemption mean he avoids all AI contact at work?
No. He may still be required to attend meetings and cooperate with colleagues who use AI.