Pregnant and Parenting Students
Mt. San Jacinto Community College District is dedicated to ensuring the success of all students, including those who are pregnant and parenting.
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including pregnancy and parenting status, in educational programs and activities at institutions that receive funding from the federal government. Under Title IX, the term pregnancy is used to include childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, and recovery from any of these conditions.
With regards to supporting pregnant students, institutions are required under Title IX to:
- Excuse absences because of pregnancy or childbirth for as long as deemed medically necessary;
- Afford the same accommodations for pregnancy as other temporary medical conditions;
- Support a student in continuing to participate in classes and extracurricular activities;
- Make reasonable and responsive adjustments;
- Allow a student to return from their leave to the same academic status as before their leave; and
- Offer options for a student to decide how to make up the work missed.
Requesting and Receiving Accommodations
Open communication is important to allow for an interactive process through which appropriate adjustments and/or accommodations can be made.
- Communicate with your instructors about your pregnancy or related condition. The Title IX Office can assist in facilitating communication.
- Identify your needs to assist the Title IX Office in facilitating accommodations. The Title IX Office can meet with students to discuss what types of accommodations are needed and assist in communicating needs to instructors and others involved in providing accommodations.
Common Accommodations
- Seating assignment near the door;
- Ability to sit rather than stand in labs and similar environments;
- Larger desk;
- Extended breaks and allowing breaks during exams;
- Assistance of notetaker during exams;
- Distance learning or teleworking while on bedrest;
- Revised schedules for meetings or group activities;
- Parking space closer to classes; and
- Other options as needed, depending on individualized needs.
Additional Resources
- The Pregnant Scholar
- Pregnant and Parenting Students' Rights: FAQs for College and Graduate Students
- Know Your Rights: Pregnant or Parenting? Title IX Protects You From Discrimination At School