Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex—including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions such as childbirth and parental status—in educational programs and activities. This may include pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, lactation, or any related medical conditions or recovery.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of reasonable adjustments for pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions, lactation spaces, and other important information. Please contact the Title IX office if you or someone you know has questions regarding this information.
Pregnancy and Pregnancy Related Conditions
The Title IX office will provide reasonable adjustments in the following non-exhaustive list:
- Excused absences and medical leave that are deemed medically necessary for pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions
- Opportunity to make up missed work and participation credit, as well as extensions on assignments or rescheduled exams
- Breaks during classes to attend to health needs or express breastmilk, including access to designated lactation spaces
- Schedule adjustments
- Other reasonable and responsive adjustments including but not limited to accessible seating and appropriate bathroom breaks.
JMU has a list of lactation spaces on campus. If you would like to learn more about your rights under Title IX regarding pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions, please reach out to the Title IX office by phone (540-568-5219), email (titleix@jmu.edu), or by visiting our offices on the 4th floor of Holland Yates Hall in the Access and Inclusion suite.
The following links from the Office for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education may also be helpful resources.
Know Your Rights: Pregnant or Parenting? Title IX Protects You From Discrimination At School
Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnant and Parenting Students
Employees of the University can contact HR for information regarding the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).