Rights of Pregnant and Parenting Students

There are multiple state and federal laws that have been enacted over the years to ensure the rights of pregnant and parenting students. 

Your Rights and the Law:

• Makes it illegal to discriminate on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, abortion or related conditions, including recovery.

• Ensures the right to take medically necessary leave and to be free of harassment or intimidation because of pregnancy-related conditions, including childbirth and recovery.

• Applies in and out of the classroom, including school-sponsored extracurricular activities, internships, athletics, financial aid and scholarships, and lab and clinical work.

• Requires schools to provide pregnant students with services and accommodations equal to those provided to non-pregnant students. Pregnant students may also be eligible for pregnancy-related disability services under the ADA.

IECC Protects Your Rights

Your rights are protected under 3 policies at IECC: Prohibiting Sex Discrimination, Nondiscrimination Policy, and ADA. Supplemental to these policies are the following guidelines for students at IECC: 

1. IECC will not require students to limit their studies as the result of pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions.

2. The benefits and services provided to students affected by pregnancy will be no less than those provided to students with temporary medical conditions.

3. Students with pregnancy-related disabilities, like any student with a short-term or temporary disability, are entitled to reasonable accommodations and may seek assistance from the ADA Coordinator on campus and in the manner outlined here.

4. Reasonable accommodations may include, for instance:

• Providing accommodations to protect the health and safety of the student and/or the pregnancy (such as allowing the student to maintain a safe distance from hazardous substances);

• Making modifications to the physical environment (such as accessible seating);

• Providing mobility support;

• Extending deadlines and/or allowing the student to make up tests or assignments missed for pregnancy-related absences;

• Offering remote learning options;

• Excusing medically-necessary absences (this must be granted regardless of classroom attendance requirements set by a faculty member);

• Implementing incomplete grades for classes that will be resumed at a future date;

• Allowing breastfeeding students reasonable time and space to pump breast milk in a location that is private, clean, and reasonably accessible. 

Grievances should be reported in the manner described in the Prohibiting Sex Discrimination Policy and Procedure.