University of Kentucky Employee Granted Religious Exemption from Artificial Intelligence Based on Secular Humanism

David Durman, a research manager at the University of Kentucky, has officially secured an exemption from workplace artificial intelligence use by invoking his secular humanist beliefs and worldview.

David Durman, a research manager who supports researchers with grant applications at the University of Kentucky, requested an exemption from workplace artificial intelligence use under Title VII in early 2026. Stating that he wanted to be proactive against potential future changes even though it was not yet mandated by his employer, Durman cited his secular humanist beliefs. Defined by the American Humanist Association as a progressive and non-theistic belief system, humanism centers human welfare and development.

University spokesperson Jay Blanton stated that religious accommodation requests are evaluated individually within the framework of the employee's sincere beliefs and job responsibilities. As a result of the evaluation, it was decided that an arrangement could be made to allow Durman to continue fulfilling his core duties. Following discussions with the university's Equal Opportunity Office, the exemption was approved on September 25.

Following this decision, the American Humanist Association and his attorney, Alexandria Huiskens, reported an increase in interest regarding artificial intelligence and religious exemptions in the workplace. Meanwhile, David Durman argued that delegating cognitive load to artificial intelligence and affecting decision-making processes conflicts with human values, and he stated that he has also received messages of support from others on campus.