David Durman, a nontheistic Humanist and University of Kentucky administrator, secured a religious exemption from using AI at work, according to TechCrunch. Durman said he sought the protection through the American Humanist Association (AHA), a nonprofit that advances secular humanism.
Durman told TechCrunch that humanism centers on "human well-being and flourishing, both individually and collectively." He said AI use runs counter to his beliefs. He argued that "the diminishing of that [through AI use] is going to necessarily have a negative impact" on people's ability to act as moral actors.
In a statement published by the AHA, Durman wrote that "AI is interfering with people's ability to earn a living, the environmental costs spell disaster for humanity and our planet, and its supplanting and theft of human creativity threaten elements of our culture like art and literature."
Alexandria Huiskens, a staff attorney at the AHA, told TechCrunch that concern about AI and human dignity can appear across faiths and traditions. She said nontheists and Humanists are "also protected by the law at work."
Durman said he was inspired by Erin Maus, a Unitarian Universalist and software engineer who reportedly secured similar protections. He said he is not in a position where he has been required to use AI. He sought the exemption now because some colleagues and leadership have recommended trying the tools, and he wanted protection in case that suggestion becomes a mandate.
University of Kentucky spokesperson Jay Blanton told TechCrunch that the university reviews religious accommodation requests individually. In Durman's case, Blanton said, "the university determined that an accommodation could be provided while allowing the employee to continue performing the essential functions of their position." Blanton added that accommodations may be reviewed as technology and job responsibilities change.