NY A02038

Students at SUNY, CUNY, and state-funded higher education institutions may observe 16 specified religious and cultural holidays without academic penalties, including Christmas Eve, Passover, Ramadan, Diwali, Vesak, Indigenous Peoples' Day, and others.

Students must provide written notice to instructors at least three business days in advance of their intention to observe a holiday to receive protection from academic repercussions.

Academic repercussions are defined as absence penalties or grade reductions on assignments, presentations, quizzes, exams, and other academic work requirements.

Institutions must provide students absent for holiday observance an equivalent opportunity to make up missed examinations and work requirements at no charge.

Students may sue in supreme court if faculty or administrative officials fail to comply in good faith with these protections; institutions must provide written notice to all students of their rights under this section.