Religious Holy Days
Under the Texas Education Code, §51.911, Texas public institutions of higher education shall excuse a student from attending classes or other required activities, including examinations, for the observance of a religious holy day, including travel for that purpose. A student whose absence is excused for this purpose may not be penalized for that absence and shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment from which the student is excused within a reasonable time after the absence. Students who desire to be absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day must work with the instructor prior to the absence. The instructor may respond appropriately if the student fails to satisfactorily complete the assignment or examination within a reasonable amount of time. A “religious holy day” is defined as a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under Section 11.20 of the Tax Code.