Pregnant Students & Employees

 

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex--including pregnancy and parental status--in educational programs and activities and in employment. 

Here For You

Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance can assist students and employees who believe they have been discriminated against based on pregnancy or parental status. Students who believe they have experienced discrimination are encouraged to schedule a meeting with the CRTC to understand how their concern may be covered under relevant equal opportunity policies, and explore how their concern can be addressed through the Discrimination Complaint Procedure.

"Schools must treat pregnant students in the same way that they treat similarly situated students. Thus, any special services provided to students who have temporary medical conditions must also be provided to pregnant students. Likewise, a student who is pregnant or has given birth may not be required to submit medical certification for school participation unless such certification is also required for all other students with physical or emotional conditions requiring the attention of a physician. A school must excuse a student’s absences because of pregnancy or childbirth for as long as the student’s doctor deems the absences medically necessary. When a student returns to school, she must be allowed to return to the same academic and extracurricular status as before her medical leave began. By ensuring that the student has the opportunity to maintain her academic status, we can encourage young parents to work toward graduation instead of choosing to drop out of school."

Dear Colleague Letter, Office For Civil Rights

June 25, 2013