"Mormon Student, Justice, ACLU Join Up"

[Sanford Levinson]

Although I always hesitate to disagree with my (sadly) former cilleague Doug, I confess I'm with Eugene (and, I think, Michael McConnell, on the basis of past threads), on this one.  I see no relevant difference between going to Mongolia to spread the word about the Book of Mormon and a belief that the best way to honor thy parents is by making sure they have adequate medical care, which means raking in enough money to buy them decent insurance.  And, of course, if one allows the religiously motivated caretaking, I think it violates the EP Clause to deny equal leaves to an atheist who for secular moral reasons feels an obligation to take care of her parents.  

Consider these arguments within the context of a departmental requirement that a PhD must be completed within seven years.  Would the fact that the department waives the rule for parents (both mothers and fathers) for up to one year/newborn or for deaths of near family members or domestic partners require waiver for the Mormon missionary?  And if so, why not for anyone who persuades a judge of "good cause" for wishing an extra couple of years?

Sandy
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