The Senate today passed legislation Assemblyman Gary S. Schaer is championing in the Assembly that would require New Jersey’s colleges and universities to provide alternative arrangements for students who are unable to take a test because of a religious observance.

The Assembly Higher Education Committee today released Schaer’s measure (A-422) by a vote of 10-0.  It now heads to the Assembly Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote.

“No student should have to choose between compromising their religious beliefs and taking a failing grade on an exam,” said Schaer (D-Passaic/Bergen/Essex).  “New Jersey’s colleges and universities must respect the religious beliefs of their students and provide an alternate time and place for testing when exam schedules and religious observances coincide.”

The bill would require all New Jersey colleges and universities to make accommodations for students whose religious obligations prevent participation in a test schedule on the date of religious observance, such as the Jewish observances of Rosh Hashanah, the Islamic celebration of Eid al-Fitr, and Christian observances of Ash Wednesday.

Administrators of standardized tests – such as the Graduate Record Examination, Medical College Admission Test, Law School Admission Test – similarly would be required to provide alternative testing arrangements.

Institutions and standardized test administrators may request a student provide a written explanation of the conflict signed by clergy from their place of worship.

The bill is part of a religious accommodations package Schaer crafted to protect the sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices of New Jersey residents at schools, the workplace, and at public facilities such as hospitals.

The bill is sponsored in the Senate by Senator Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen).