# University of Kentucky AI religious exemptions

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/university-of-kentucky-ai-religious-exemptions
> Updated: 2026-10-29T18:43:32.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

David Durman, a research administrator at the University of Kentucky, was granted a religious accommodation exempting him from using artificial intelligence in his professional workflow. Durman, a humanist, argued that using tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or Microsoft Teams Copilot to offload thinking and decision-making would violate his core beliefs. He stated that the process of thinking through ethics is essential to his development as a moral person.

Supported by the American Humanist Association, Durman sought accommodation under Title VII. The association noted this is believed to be the first case where a humanist has been granted an AI exemption based on freedom of conscience. This follows a similar exemption granted in June to Erin Maus, a software engineer and Unitarian Universalist, highlighting ongoing discussions regarding how AI integration in the workplace may conflict with personal values.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-29: University of Kentucky administrator granted AI exemption

A University of Kentucky administrator has received a landmark religious exemption from using AI, citing humanist beliefs that automated processing conflicts with his moral agency and human dignity.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-kentucky-administrator-granted-ai-exemption

### 2026-10-26: University of Kentucky grants humanist AI exemption

The University of Kentucky granted a research administrator a religious exemption from using AI, marking a potential first for humanists citing freedom of conscience.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-kentucky-grants-humanist-ai-exemption

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Cite as: University of Kentucky AI religious exemptions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/university-of-kentucky-ai-religious-exemptions