Title IX prohibits discrimination against students based on pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions (pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions encompasses pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, miscarriage, or recovery from any of these conditions) in educational programs and activities receiving federal funding and directs institutions to make available reasonable adjustments for students who voluntarily request such assistance due to pregnancy/pregnancy related conditions. Reasonable adjustments may include but are not limited to:
- Excusing student absences related to pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions for as long as the student's doctor deems the absence medically necessary (i.e., for doctor's appointments, bed rest, childbirth, recovery from childbirth, etc.).
- Allowing students to make up participation and attendance credits and make up work missed due to a pregnancy/pregnancy related condition absence.
- Arranging for reasonable adjustments for students who request them due to pregnancy/pregnancy related conditions (such as a larger desk, elevator access, opportunities to move around, restroom breaks to pump milk or address other needs related to breastfeeding, options for staying current on assignments, options for making up missed work, etc.)
For assistance from the Title IX Office with accessing reasonable adjustments, preparing for pregnancy/pregnancy related condition absences, and exploring options for making up missed work, students are encouraged to complete the Student Pregnancy/Pregnancy Related Conditions Assistance Request Form.
Students are not required to disclose pregnancy/pregnancy related condition status. Students are not required to go through the Title IX office and may instead opt to contact their faculty directly regarding reasonable adjustments, absences, and opportunities to make up missed work related to pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions.
Faculty who have questions about how to provide assistance to students who are pregnant or experiencing pregnancy related conditions in a matter consistent with the expectations of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 may contact the Title IX Office for assistance.
Reasonable adjustments under Title IX for pregnancy/pregnancy related conditions are separate and distinct from reasonable accommodations facilitiated through the Office of Disability Services. Students who experience a temporary or permanent medical condition or disability arising from or exacerbated by pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions and/or complications and therefore may have needs that would be more appropriately considered through exploration of reasonable accommodations with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) are responsible for intitiating contact directly with ODS.
Students who believe they have been subject to discrimination because of pregnancy or pregnancy related condition status may file a formal complaint.
Pregnancy and Pregnancy Related Conditions
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).