You don't need to believe in a god to get a religious exemption from using AI at work

David Durman, a nontheistic Humanist at the University of Kentucky, obtained a religious exemption that allows him to avoid using artificial intelligence in his job.

Durman approached the American Humanist Association (AHA) to explore legal protections, arguing that AI use conflicts with his belief in human‑centered moral agency.

The AHA filed a statement citing concerns about AI’s impact on livelihoods, the environment, and cultural creativity, and the university approved the accommodation after reviewing his role and responsibilities.

University spokesperson Jay Blanton said the exemption was granted while still enabling Durman to perform essential functions, and noted that accommodations will be revisited as technology and duties evolve.

Durman’s case follows a similar exemption secured by software engineer Erin Maus, highlighting a growing trend of employees seeking religious or belief‑based accommodations for AI use.