Pregnant and Parenting Students
Title IX and New York State laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of pregnancy and related conditions.
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Pregnant and parenting students must receive the same access to educational programs, activities, and education opportunities that are available to other students.
“Pregnancy-related conditions” are the full spectrum of processes and events connected with pregnancy, including pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation; related medical conditions; and recovery therefrom.
Helpful Tips for Pregnant and Parenting Students:
- You can meet with your University’s Title IX Coordinator regarding what the University can do to support you in continuing your education.
- Keep notes about your pregnancy-related absences and your interactions with University officials about your pregnancy, and immediately report concerns to your school’s Title IX Coordinator.
- Students can file complaints of sex discrimination or sexual harassment related to pregnancy or parental status.
- View University lactation space availability.
Title IX requires a school to provide the same special services to a student who is pregnant or is experiencing related conditions that it provides to students with temporary medical conditions.
Students who are pregnant or are experiencing related conditions are entitled to Reasonable Modifications to prevent sexual misconduct and ensure equal access to the University’s education program and activity.
To ensure a pregnant student’s access to its educational program, when necessary, a school must make adjustments to the regular program that are reasonable and responsive to the student’s temporary pregnancy status. Any student seeking Reasonable Modifications must contact the Title IX Coordinator or their Designee to discuss appropriate and available Reasonable Modifications based on their individual needs.
Students are encouraged to request Reasonable Modifications as promptly as possible, although retroactive modifications may be available in some circumstances. Reasonable Modifications are voluntary, and a student can accept or decline the offered Reasonable Modifications. Not all Reasonable Modifications are appropriate for all contexts.
To request reasonable modifications for pregnant or parenting students, please reach out to Title IX staff at titleix@rochester.edu