We are writing to express our concern that the University of Denver may be not be fully committing itself to accommodating the religious diversity it strives to achieve. Each fall Judaism celebrates its two holiest holidays – Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).

In addition, Muslims celebrate Ramadan (when the Koran was sent down from heaven, a time to concentrate on faith) for a month.

Both of these holidays carry religious obligations that many in the university community may not be aware of.

Jewish people attend services on either the first or both days of Rosh Hashanah (depending on level of observance) and on Yom Kippur.

When these holidays fall during the week, religious observance obligates Jewish students to miss classes. Many Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan from sunrise to sunset. At sunset, Muslims break the fast with a meal and prayer called the iftar.

This also obligates Muslim students to miss class.

Are professors at the University of Denver made aware of these religious observances and obligations?

While no professors and instructors have refused to accommodate religious observances when approaached, the University of Denver has no cross-university attendance policy vis-CB -vis religious observances.

Each professor sets his or her own attendance policy.

Currently, students missing all or part of class for religious obligations may be penalized. We feel there should be equal time to complete assignments and these absences should not impact a student’s grade in any way.

The University of Denver’s practice of recruiting ethnic and minority students proves that our university is neither racist nor bigoted.

But to claim the mantle of diversity, in our opinion, requires that the university not create a conflict between a student’s cultural and religious obligations and the student’s obligations to the university.

Joel Portman

first-year student

Rabbi Yossi Serebryanski

Chabad at DU