Pregnant and Parenting Students

Under Title IX, sex discrimination – including discrimination on the basis of a student’s pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy or recovery from any of these – is prohibited in educational programs and activities. This means:

• The university does not exclude or limit the participation of pregnant students or students who have been pregnant in its programs on either of those bases.
• The university excuses a student’s absences due to pregnancy and related events for as long as the student’s doctor deems the absences medically necessary.  When the student returns, she is regarded with the same status as before her medical leave began and given the opportunity to make up work or exams missed while on leave.
• New mothers are afforded reasonable break periods during educational programs and activities, including classes, to express milk or nurse as needed without penalty. 

  – Discrimination Based on Pregnancy and Related Conditions

  – Comprehensive Resource Guide for Pregnant and Parenting Students and Employees

  – Notification to Faculty, Staff, and Students Regarding Pregnant Students and Student Parents

Applicable Guidance:

 – Research and Academic Environmental Health & Safety (RAEHS) Pregnancy in the Lab Guidelines 

 – Office of Civil Rights, Dear Colleague Letter – Pregnant and Parenting Students, issued June 25, 2015 

 – Protections for Pregnant and Parenting Students