New Ohio law allows for religious observances for university students

A new law in Ohio will allow university students to take time off for religious observances.

Testing Your Faith Act requires the state's public institutes of higher education to allow three days of excused absences each year for religious observances and accommodations for exams and classwork.    

The bipartisan bill was co-sponsored by state representatives Gary Click and Jessica Miranda, passing favourably in both the Ohio House and Senate, without any opponent testimonies.

It has seen widespread support from different faith communities, including Muslims, Sikhs, and Jews.

"When there's a clear policy, it's not overwhelming when students need to explain themselves," Amina Barhumi, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations-Ohio (CAIR), told The New Arab.

CAIR issued a statement this week celebrating the bill, following its passage with full support from both sides of the aisle.

She noted that discrimination tends to be the highest within systems, rather than personal interactions and name-calling, making this kind of legislation important. 

"These small wins create an environment where there's clarity for practicing one's faith," said Burhami.

"Students would still need to make a request. But now it's their right."