Pregnant and Parenting Students
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities, including academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic and other programs/activities of the University. This prohibition includes discrimination against pregnant and parenting students. At West Chester University, any form of sex discrimination is prohibited. If a complainant chooses to move forward with a formal complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will facilitate a Title IX investigation. If you have been harassed or discriminated related to your pregnancy, you can submit a report online or contact the Title IX Coordinator at 114 W. Rosedale Avenue or 610-436-2433.
Also, although pregnancy itself is not a disability, pregnant persons may have impairments related to their pregnancies that qualify as disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990). It is the procedure of West Chester University to provide individualized reasonable accommodations to students who have a pregnancy-related disability, including recovery from childbirth. To receive these accommodations, students must be in contact with the Office of Educational Accessibility (OEA). WCU has a right to request documentation of the temporary disability, and it is the student's responsibility to work with their private physician prior to the provision of services. This is determined on a case-by-case basis and is based on professional medical documentation provided by the student.
Pregnant students & faculty with pregnant students in their course
The most effective way to ensure a successful semester during pregnancy is by having open communication between pregnant students and faculty. Upon request, the Title IX Coordinator can send a letter to faculty at the request of pregnant students. This letter serves as an opening for conversation in which the student and each individual faculty can discuss course obligations and options. The letter also provides a reminder about the protections afforded to pregnant students under Title IX.
FACULTY: If you receive a pregnancy notification, please work with the student to plan a successful way for the student to complete the semester. Please contact the Title IX and ADA Coordinator to consult about complicated matters.
What protections do pregnant students have?
- Students should work with their professors and OEA to make up coursework missed due to pregnancy, childbirth, or any related conditions.
- The benefits and services provided to pregnant students are no less than those provided to students with temporary medical conditions.
Resources
Lactation Spaces
West Chester University provides lactation spaces to support breastfeeding mothers returning to work, school, or visiting campus. Each room offers a clean, secure, and private space for women who need to express breast milk or nurse while on campus. Individuals should bring any personal supplies needed with them. Lactation spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis. With the exception of Student Health Services, rooms are not available to be scheduled ahead of time. The University provides a listing of lactation spaces across the campus by building.
Furniture Requests
WCU provides accessible furniture for faculty, staff, and students who may need accommodations. Requests should be made by using this form.
Transportation and Parking Services
West Chester provides an Accessible Shuttle Bus for transportation around campus for people with mobility impairments. Students seeking this accommodation may utilize this bus whether their mobility issues are permanent or temporary by registering with the Office of Educational Accessibility (OEA). Those having issues with walking due to their pregnancy may request a temporary handicapped parking permit from Parking Services with appropriate medical documentation.
Additional Resources
WCU Caregiving (Students & Employees)
Pregnant and Parenting Students' Rights: FAQs for College and Graduate Students - Fact Sheet from National Women’s Law Center
Know Your Rights: Pregnant or Parenting? Title IX Protects You From Discrimination At School - Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education