(a) Exemption. This part does not apply to any operation of an educational institution or other entity that is controlled by a religious organization to the extent that application of this part would not be consistent with the religious tenets of such organization.

(b) Exemption claims. An educational institution or other entity that wishes to claim the exemption set forth in paragraph (a) of this section shall do so by submitting in writing to the designated agency official a statement by the highest-ranking official of the institution, identifying the provisions of this part that conflict with a specific tenet of the religious organization.