A University of Kentucky employee asked to be exempted from using AI for his 'religious' beliefs

David Durman, a 45-year-old administrator at the University of Kentucky, has secured a federal accommodation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to opt out of using AI at work. Durman, who identifies as Humanist, became uncomfortable with the increasing normalization of AI products and systems at his workplace. He sees surrendering decision-making and the ability to interpret the world as a violation of his faith's emphasis on moral responsibility for one's choices.

While the university has not yet implemented an AI directive, Durman proactively filed an accommodation request to preempt any mandatory AI usage. His request was granted after discussions with his attorney, who works with the American Humanist Association, and a meeting to verify the sincerity of his views. The university determined that accommodating Durman's beliefs did not impose an undue hardship on the institution.

The decision comes as employers, such as Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke and Amazon, push workers to adopt AI despite growing concerns. A Gallup poll found that 52% of U.S. employees used AI at work in May 2026, up from 21% in 2023, while a recent American Psychological Association survey revealed that 37% of workers worried about falling behind if they didn't use AI and 48% feared it could render some or all of their job duties obsolete.

Durman's exemption is not a blanket waiver for all employees who oppose AI use, and employers must still demonstrate a substantial cost to accommodate religious beliefs.