Universities need a transparent system
May 18, 2010
Examinations kicked off last week in several universities. It has been the norm for public universities to draw exam timetables that run for the entire week.
Examinations kicked off last week in several universities. It has been the norm for public universities to draw exam timetables that run for the entire week.
There have been reports of Seventh Day Adventist students in different universities skipping exams scheduled on their day of worship. In 2004 the Adventist students sued Makerere University over desecration of their Sabbath.
Faith-related issues are sensitive and universities should not turn a deaf ear to students’ complaints. However, students need to understand that as a secular institution, Makerere University is obliged to create an inclusive environment that accommodates staff and students from diverse religious backgrounds. Yes, freedom of worship is constitutionally upheld but the university might find it difficult to re-schedule lectures or examinations to meet religious interests.
The university can pursue an option of designing a transparent system through which students who intend to skip exam on religious grounds can apply in advance. Such a system will ensure no student uses religious creed as an excuse to skip a paper.
There have been reports of Seventh Day Adventist students in different universities skipping exams scheduled on their day of worship. In 2004 the Adventist students sued Makerere University over desecration of their Sabbath.
Faith-related issues are sensitive and universities should not turn a deaf ear to students’ complaints. However, students need to understand that as a secular institution, Makerere University is obliged to create an inclusive environment that accommodates staff and students from diverse religious backgrounds. Yes, freedom of worship is constitutionally upheld but the university might find it difficult to re-schedule lectures or examinations to meet religious interests.
The university can pursue an option of designing a transparent system through which students who intend to skip exam on religious grounds can apply in advance. Such a system will ensure no student uses religious creed as an excuse to skip a paper.