Contact:

Cara Noel

609-292-5215

CNoel@njleg.org

TRENTON – A measure sponsored Senator Loretta Weinberg which would require colleges and universities to provide alternate testing arrangements for students who are unable to attend scheduled exams because of religious observances was unanimously approved today by the Senate Education Committee.

            “This bill is about parity,” said Senator Weinberg, D-Bergen. “It is absolutely unfair and discriminatory for students to have to miss out on such important exams – exams that are necessary to attend these institutions of higher learning because of their religion. By providing alternate exam dates, these students would be provided with the same opportunities as students of other religions to take the exams and go on to the college, university, law or medical school of their choosing.”

            Senator Weinberg’s bill, S-1023, would require colleges and universities that administer the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to offer alternative testing arrangements for students who are unable to attend Saturday exams because of  religious observances. 

            Schools would be permitted to require written documentation outlining the religious conflict from a clergyman.

            “In the past, there have been reports of the exams administered on the alternate dates being significantly harder than those given on the regularly scheduled dates. This is another example of discrimination that will not be tolerated,” said Senator Weinberg.

            This measure now heads to the full Senate for approval.

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