LEGAL RIGHTS

I want to know my rights as a parenting student.

Title IX is a federal law that protects pregnant and parenting students from discrimination. All public schools and most private schools are required to abide by Title IX non-discrimination policies, in addition to providing reasonable accommodations for pregnancy and parenting related issues (e.g. excused pregnancy-related absences, recovery from childbirth, breastfeeding or breastpumping access). This law covers most educational programs, and it will protect you regardless of where you are on your educational journey (e.g. high school, college, postgraduate, etc.).

• Contact Allay Resources team leader Beth Rahal if you need help navigating these resources, or if you have a question regarding your rights, discrimination issues, or communicating with administration, faculty, coaches, etc.

Unfortunately, Title IX parenting rights do not cover situations of emergency childcare. Due to this issue, you will need to adequately prepare for childcare coverage during your class times. Many students opt to adjust their classes to evening, weekend, or online options to be able to balance both parenthood and their education. You may be able to work with your professor and/or academic department to discuss options for childcare issues and emergencies. Some schools offer policies that allow infants in the classroom (*typically up until a certain age), and some professors may allow for excused absences and make-up work when unpredictable childcare issues arise.