University of Kentucky grants employee Title VII exemption from using AI tools

University of Kentucky research administrator David Durman won a religious exemption from using AI on September 25, 2026. The accommodation falls under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which covers sincerely held nontheistic beliefs. The American Humanist Association calls it the first such exemption granted to a humanist. Durman still must attend AI-related meetings and cooperate with colleagues who use AI tools.

Title VII exemptions now reach secular belief systems, not just organized religion
Durman secured the accommodation as a secular humanist, with no belief in a god or supernatural power.
The American Humanist Association assisted his filing under Title VII's religious accommodation provisions.
Software engineer Erin Maus won a similar exemption earlier in 2026 as a Unitarian Universalist.
"Everyone should have room to exercise this comprehensive way of life at work the same way Christians do, or Muslims do." - Alexandria Huiskens, Staff Attorney, American Humanist Association

Employers must assess AI accommodation requests individually, not by blanket policy
The University of Kentucky reviewed Durman's request against his specific job duties before approving it.
Spokesperson Jay Blanton said the university determined the accommodation did not block his essential job functions.
Blanton added that accommodations may be reviewed again as technology and job responsibilities evolve.
Maus's case shows the exemption can apply even in coding roles where AI assistance is now standard.

The exemption limits personal AI use, not collaboration with AI-using colleagues
Durman must still attend meetings where AI tools are used by others on his team.
He must cooperate with colleagues who rely on AI and may submit materials to AI-powered systems.
AI was not actually required for his role; he filed after leadership encouraged employees to try it.
"Offloading that labor, regardless of whether it's taxing or not, is undercutting my ability to be a moral actor." - David Durman, Research Administrator, University of Kentucky
What this means
For Publishers & Developers: Build case-by-case accommodation workflows into any studio-wide AI tooling mandate before rollout.
For Investors & VC: Haircut AI-driven headcount savings in studio models where staff opt-outs can fragment pipelines.
For Service Vendors: Pitch human-only art, writing and QA capacity to studios absorbing AI-exempt roles.