Policies & Procedures Manual

416

Policy No: 748

Policy Contact: Vice President for Institutional Research and Effectiveness

Policy Title: RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION FROM VACCINATION POLICY

East Central Community College (ECCC) may, in consideration of public health and safety or to comply with then applicable federal or state laws, deem prudent and necessary to impose vaccination requirements upon employees and/or students. In these instances, employees and/or students must comply with said requirements unless legally entitled to an exemption. One type of exemption is based upon religious belief. Requests for exemption from vaccination requirement(s) will be reviewed and decided by a committee of campus professionals as determined by the President of the College. To be eligible for a possible religious exemption, an affected individual must first establish that the request for an exemption is based upon a sincere belief that is religious in nature. An exemption will not be granted if the reasons are based upon personal preference, concerns about the possible effects of a vaccine, or political opinions. 1. An employee or student (applicant) makes a request by completing the Request for Religious Exemption From Vaccination Form and submitting to the Director of Human Resources. 2. The submitted form is reviewed by a committee of full-time professionals appointed by the President of the College. 3. The Director of Human Resources, on behalf of the committee, will reach out to the applicant for additional information or clarification, if needed. 4. A decision is reached by the committee and communicated to the applicant by the Director of Human Resources. The decision of the committee is final. If the request for exemption is granted, the Director of Human Resources will inform any parties on campus involved in accommodation measures. ECCC will maintain the Request for Religious Exemption From Vaccination Form, along with any related information, in a confidential manner separate from employee personnel files or student records. Religious Exemption Request Process

(Added 12/14/21)