Religious Beliefs and Accommodations FAQ

Questions

Do MSU policies prohibit religious discrimination?

Yes. Mississippi State’s non-discrimination policy prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of various protected statuses, including religion. This includes discrimination in any university program, service, opportunity, or activity, including without limitation all academic, educational, research, extracurricular, athletic, housing, and other programs.

If a person feels they have been discriminated against on the basis of religion, they should contact the Office of Civil Rights Compliance at 662-325-5839 or at titleix@msstate.edu.

Are there any situations where religion can affect participation in a program or activity?

University policies recognize only one exception to the religious non-discrimination rule, for campus organizations that are expressly religious in nature. MSU’s student organization policy permits a student organization to limit membership or leadership positions to students who, upon individual inquiry, affirm that they support the organization’s religious, political, or otherwise legally protected views, consistent with the requirements of the First Amendment.

Do MSU policies allow for accommodation of religious beliefs?

Yes. The university will make reasonable accommodations of religious beliefs upon request, provided those requests do not impose an undue burden or fundamentally alter the nature of a position or program. Individuals seeking accommodation should contact the Office of Civil Rights Compliance at 662-325-5839 or at titleix@msstate.edu.