POLICY ON RELIGION, BELIEF AND NON-BELIEF FOR
STUDENTS
1.
Introductory Statement
The University of York celebrates and values the diversity brought by its
individual members and aims to create an environment where religious
beliefs are welcomed and respected. The Equality Act 2010
(http://www.equalities.gov.uk/equality_act_2010.aspx ) protects against
discrimination on the grounds of religion and belief. This legislation also
covers non-belief.
The University recognises the right to freedom of thought, conscience
and religion. The right to manifest beliefs is qualified by the need to
protect the rights and freedoms of others.
2.
Policy Statement on Spiritual/Religious Issues
The University of York does not, as an institution, have any religious
affiliation or endorse any particular denomination or faith.
The University recognises the commitment of individual students to
pursue a spiritual or religious practice and actively supports their right to
do so in an atmosphere of tolerance and respect.
The University further recognises that there is a variety of obligations
placed upon those following particular faiths. Where practicable, the
University will provide information and facilities and will seek to resolve
clashes between compulsory academic activities and essential religious
observances.
3.
Academic freedom
The University supports the free exploration, discussion and critique of
knowledge and ideas as activities which underpin its core purposes of
promoting teaching, learning and research. It expects staff and students
to undertake such activities in ways which acknowledge and respect all
forms of religion, belief or non-belief.
4.
Aims
The University of York seeks to ensure that:
a)
members of any religion or none are treated equally and fairly. A
copy of the Equality and Diversity Policy for Students is available at
http://www.york.ac.uk/admin/eo/policies/EqualityDiversityPolicyStudents.htm
University of York – Policy on Religion, Belief and Non-Belief – Students – 2011
5.
b)
where reasonably practicable, appropriate facilities and services1
are provided to meet the religious needs of all students2.
c)
students are consulted about the appropriateness of services and
facilities provided.
Definition
This Policy covers any religion, religious belief or similar philosophical
belief but does not cover political belief3 or cults. It also covers nonbelief.
6.
Student Admissions
The University undertakes to ensure admissions procedures are carried
out consistently and fairly. Specifically, those administering the process
must be aware of their obligation not to discriminate against applicants in
relation to the terms on which offers are made, and the grounds on which
applications are rejected.
7.
8.
Teaching, learning and assessment
a)
The University seeks to ensure that teaching, learning and
assessment are informed by an understanding of issues of equality
and diversity in relation to religion, belief and non-belief.
b)
It recognises that religious festivals, or other events of religious
significance may coincide with assessment and timetabling
requirements. As far as is reasonably practicable, the University
will take steps to ensure that University examinations and major
events do not coincide with obligatory religious observance.
Facilities and Services4
The University will, as far as is reasonably practicable, provide facilities
and services that accommodate the obligations of those following
particular faiths. All relevant staff will receive appropriate training and
The word ‘services’ throughout this document refers to ‘facilities and services’ as opposed to
‘religious services’.
2
As referred to in the University’s Race Equality Policy at
http://www.york.ac.uk/admin/eo/Race%20Equality%20Policy_files/Race%20Equality%20Policy.htm
Sections 5.7 and 5.8
3
Political beliefs are covered by the Equality and Diversity Policy for students at
1
http://www.york.ac.uk/admin/eo/policies/EqualityDiversityPolicyStudents.htm
4
Including catering, accommodation, careers, sports, retail, conference and social facilities, the
Information Centre, Library, the University Nursery and IT Support etc.
University of York – Policy on Religion, Belief and Non-Belief – Students – 2011
guidance in relation to religion, belief and non belief to carry out their
responsibilities under this Policy.
9.
Support for Students5
The University will seek to provide support that is appropriate to the
needs of students of different religious beliefs through the Student
Support Services, supervisory system and college welfare teams. It will
ensure that supervisors, both academic and personal, are aware of this
Policy and that they support students in their right to equality of
opportunity in relation to religion and belief.
10. Dress Code
The University of York imposes no dress code on its students, and
welcomes the variety of appearance brought by individual styles and
choices of dress. The wearing of items in accordance with particular
religious beliefs and associated cultural practices6 is seen as part of this
welcome diversity. Exceptions to the above are detailed at the end of
this Policy.
11. Religious Observance
a)
The University will make reasonable efforts to provide suitable
space for prayer, quiet contemplation and ablution where practical
and will provide information about this provision.
b)
The University will also provide information on places of worship,
services and facilities, which are provided in the neighbourhood and
region.7
12. Food Requirements
a)
The University undertakes to regularly assess the demand for food
which meets religious or associated cultural dietary requirements, in
consultation with the relevant religious groups, and will provide it
accordingly in its catering and retail outlets.
b)
The University will be sensitive to the needs of members of its
community who do not consume alcohol and will provide alcoholfree catering and social spaces.
5
Student Support Services including Disability Services, college welfare, the welfare aspects of the
supervisory system, YUSU (York University Students’ Union), the GSA (Graduate Students’
Association), the ISA (International Students’ Association)
6
For example the wearing of hijab, kippah, mangal sutra, sari, headwear and crucifix, jewellery /
adornments.
7
Information currently supplied by the University Chaplains. http://www.york.ac.uk/univ/chap/
University of York – Policy on Religion, Belief and Non-Belief – Students – 2011
13. Harassment8
a)
Harassment or bullying on the grounds of religion or belief and nonbelief will not be tolerated and will be dealt with under the University
Code of Practice on Harassment.
http://www.york.ac.uk/admin/eo/Harassment/code.htm
b) All members of the University community have the right to freedom of
thought, conscience and religion. However, if beliefs are promoted
in a way that impinges on the rights and freedoms of others, this
may result in disciplinary action. (Also see Paragraph 3).
14. Complaints
Students who wish to make a complaint under this Policy can seek help
from the YUSU, the GSA, the ISA, their Academic Supervisor, Provost or
College Tutor. The University complaints procedure for students can be
found at: http://www.york.ac.uk/admin/ss/copr/complaintsproc.htm
15. Implementation and Responsibilities
The University seeks to ensure that, as far as is reasonably practicable,
members of the University are informed of this Policy and any associated
procedures. All members of the University are responsible for
familiarising themselves with this Policy and its implementation.
Exceptions to Section 10 – Dress Code
a)
In order to comply with Health and Safety requirements specific
items of clothing such as overalls, protective clothing etc. may need
to be worn. If such clothing is in conflict with a student’s religious
belief, the issue will be referred to the academic supervisor, with the
aim of finding a satisfactory outcome.
b)
Where examination candidates need to be identified in relation to
University assessment procedures, the verification of candidates
will be carried out sensitively and by appropriate, trained staff.9
Definition in the University Code of Practice on Harassment “behaviour which is unwanted by the
recipient and unwarranted by the working or study/social relationship and also would be regarded by
such as any such similarly-situated reasonable person”.
9
For example in the case of individuals wearing veils.
8
University of York – Policy on Religion, Belief and Non-Belief – Students – 2011
c)
The wearing of slogans or symbols which cause distress may
constitute harassment10 may be dealt with accordingly under the
Code of Practice on Harassment.
Equality and Diversity Office
January 2011
Definition in the University Code of Pratice on Harassment “behaviour which is unwanted by the
recipient and unwarranted by the working or study/social relationship and also would be regarded by
such as any such similarly-situated reasonable person”.
10
University of York – Policy on Religion, Belief and Non-Belief – Students – 2011
SOURCES OF SUPPORT, ADVICE AND INFORMATION
Internal
University of York Equality and Diversity Office
Advice, support, guidance on equality and diversity issues for staff and students
Tel: (01904) 324680
Email: equality@york.ac.uk
Website: www.york.ac.uk/admin/eo
Equality and Diversity Office website on Religion, belief and non-belief:
http://www.york.ac.uk/admin/eo/Religion/index.htm
Contains information on/links to the following areas relating to religion, belief and non-belief
including:

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The Calendar of significant festivals
Legislation on religion and belief and non-belief
Guidance and good practice
Places of worship
Catering and food provision
Sources of information and guidance
Student Policy on religion and belief and non-belief
http://www.york.ac.uk/admin/eo/policies/ReligionBeliefNonBeliefStudents.htm
University Chaplaincy
Website: http://www.york.ac.uk/univ/chap/full-time_chaplains.shtml
Prayer facilities
There are two prayer facilities on campus: a prayer room in Wentworth College and the Quiet
Place, near Derwent College and Heslington Hall.
Prayer room – this is primarily used by members of the Islamic faith. To access the prayer
room take identification to the reception at Wentworth College: they will provide you with a
key. There are toilet facilities in the corridor nearby. For further information please contact a
member of the Chaplaincy team or the Islamic Society on http://yorkisoc.com/.
The Quiet Place – is a resource for all members of the University community who wish to find
some stillness in the midst of an often frenetic environment. There is provision for individuals
and groups to use the space for silence, quiet reflection or prayer. There is an upper room for
groups to use, whilst the enclosed garden and lower room are set aside for individuals to use.
There is more detailed information on the Quiet Place website, including how to book the
upper room and access the ground floor facilities.
World Faiths
http://www.york.ac.uk/univ/chap/world_faiths.shtml
University of York – Policy on Religion, Belief and Non-Belief – Students – 2011
Worship in York
http://www.york.ac.uk/univ/chap/worship/york_worship.shtml
STUDENT FAITH SOCIETIES
Christian societies
http://www.york.ac.uk/univ/chap/societies/christian-societies.shtml
Islamic society
http://www.york.ac.uk/univ/chap/societies/other_societies.shtml
and
http://www.yusu.org/society/512
Jewish society
http://www.york.ac.uk/univ/chap/societies/other_societies.shtml#jewish
and
http://www.yusu.org/society/434
USEFUL PUBLICATIONS/WEB SITES
Employing People in Higher Education: Religion and Belief
Produced by: Equality Challenge Unit
http://www.ecu.ac.uk/publications/employing-people-in-HE-r-and-b
Religion or belief in the workplace: a guide for employers and
employees
Produced by ACAS
http://www.acas.org.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=107&p=0
Promoting good campus relations – updated guidance:
http://www.ecu.ac.uk/publications/promoting-good-campus-relations-update
BBC Web pages on Religion
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/index.shtml
The Higher Education Academy – Faith Guides for HE
The Subject Centre for Philosophy & Religious Studies at the Higher Education Academy has
brought together a range of academics to author the Faith Guides listed below. The Higher
Education Academy aims for the guides to provide some answers to some of the basic
questions, through providing individuals, departments and institutions with resource
information on issues relating to teaching people of faith in a higher education environment.
Website: http://www.prs.heacademy.ac.uk/
University of York
Equality & Diversity Office
Updated August 2010
University of York – Policy on Religion, Belief and Non-Belief – Students – 2011