University of Kentucky administrator wins exemption from workplace AI use

University of Kentucky research administrator David Durman has received an exemption from using AI at work after arguing that the requirement conflicted with his humanist beliefs. The university accepted his appeal, according to TechRadar, which cites Religion News Service and Tom's Hardware.

Durman said using AI would mean offloading his thinking to a machine, which he believes would undermine his ability to develop as a moral person. He also said AI use runs counter to his belief in human flourishing.

The American Humanist Association helped Durman make his case under Title VII, the US federal law that allows religious exemptions from workplace requirements. AHA attorney Alexandria Huiskens described the decision as the first of its kind for the association and for humanism generally. Although humanism is generally considered non-religious, federal courts have ruled it can be treated as a religion.

The exemption means Durman no longer has to use AI in his job, but he still must meet and cooperate with colleagues who use it. Douglas Laycock, an emeritus law professor at the University of Virginia and the University of Texas, said beliefs must be sincere to qualify under Title VII. The source does not identify the AI tools or say whether the exemption applies beyond Durman.