WCM prohibits discrimination based on an employee’s religion or creed and will provide religious accommodations for employees to enable them to exercise their sincerely held religious beliefs. More specifically, federal, state and local laws require that WCM reasonably accommodate an employee whose sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance conflicts with a work requirement unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on WCM operations.
The Office of Civil Rights and Investigations is responsible for overseeing and coordinating requests for accommodation received from employees based on religion. As an initial step, an employee should inform our office of the need for a religious accommodation based on religion. An employee, a family member, or someone else designated by an employee may also notify WCM on the employee’s behalf of their need for a religious accommodation.
Process
WCM has established the following procedure for employees to request a religious accommodation:
Responsibility of Employee
An employee must submit a written request for accommodation to the Office of Civil Rights and Investigations using the form below. The request should outline:
- The religion and/or religious practice the employee observes
- The specific accommodation the employee is requesting
After submission of the request, a member of the Office of Civil Rights and Investigations will contact the employee to discuss the accommodation request. The employee may be asked to provide additional documentation in support of the proposed accommodation request.
The Office of Civil Rights and Investigations, in consultation with the department, will evaluate the employee's accommodation request and all other reasonable alternative measures available. WCM will endeavor to adopt an accommodation plan that is reasonable, addresses the employee's needs, and does not create an undue hardship on WCM operations.
Responsibility of Supervisors, Department Administrators, Department Chairs/Heads and Faculty Members
Any request for a religious accommodation should be immediately referred to the Office of Civil Rights and Investigations at civilrights@med.cornell.edu. The Office of Civil Rights and Investigations will consult with department management on any request for religious accommodation.
Religious Accommodation Request Form
For an employee requesting accommodation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, New York State Human Rights Law, and New York City Human Rights Law
Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) is strengthened by its global and multicultural character and is committed to diversity and equal opportunity for all of its employees in employment and education. This commitment includes embracing religious differences and cultivating a community of belonging and respect. WCM prohibits discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on religious beliefs, practices, and affiliation. In addition, WCM provides reasonable accommodation for individual’s sincerely held religious beliefs and practices unless providing a reasonable accommodation would result in undue hardship, including undermining WCM core values of integrity, honesty, trust, fairness, and respect toward peers and community.
If you are an applicant for employment, or a current employee and are requesting a religious accommodation pertaining to your employment, please complete this form and submit it to WCM’s Office of Civil Rights and Investigations.