Utah Could Allow Conscientious Objection to Class Assignments

"The bill creates a process by which students at Utah public colleges and universities could request to skip upcoming assignments for a mandatory class or major requirement that go against a 'sincerely held religious or conscience belief.' For example, a student could ask in advance to opt out of watching a sexually explicit film required on a course syllabus."

"A professor who denies a student's request would have to explain the decision to a 'neutral arbiter' assigned by the university, according to the bill. That person would assess whether nixing the assignment-or subbing in an alternative-counts as a 'fundamental alteration' to the class's learning objectives."

"The bill also states that professors can't 'compel a student to publicly take or communicate a specified position,' such as requiring them to write a letter to a lawmaker or publish an article espousing a particular viewpoint."

Utah Representative Mike Petersen introduced legislation after his daughter, a social work graduate student, was required to write a letter advocating for LGBTQ rights despite her personal beliefs. The bill, passed by the Utah Legislature, permits students at public colleges and universities to request exemptions from assignments in mandatory classes or major requirements that conflict with their religious or conscience beliefs. Students can opt out of specific assignments like watching sexually explicit films. Professors who deny requests must justify their decision to a neutral arbiter who determines whether denying the assignment constitutes a fundamental alteration to course learning objectives. The bill also prohibits professors from compelling students to publicly advocate specified positions. The Utah Higher Education Board will develop implementation guidance and report to the Legislature.

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