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Pregnant and Parenting Rights

CUSM provides an environment that is free from sexual discrimination, including discrimination based on pregnancy, marital status, or parental status, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Therefore, we provide support and accommodations to pregnant individuals which includes but is not limited to absence(s), modified work schedules, and reasonable accommodations. CUSM’s Title IX Office will respond to all pregnant and parenting students who seek support for reasonable accommodations or to address concerns of sexual discrimination, as outlined within the GEN 1.15 - Pregnant and Parenting Policy.pdf.

Title IX Coordinator Information

Dr. Sandra E. Hodgin, Title IX Coordinator

Email: TitleIXCoordinator@cusm.edu

Direct Number: (909) 498-1608

*Please note, CUSM’s Pregnant and Parenting Protections Team consists of the Title IX Office, Student Affairs, PACE, Human Resources, and the Financial Aid Office. There is no wrong door at CUSM. We are all here to help support and guide you as a pregnant or parenting student.

 

Accommodation Examples for Pregnant and Parenting Students 

The pregnant and parenting policy at CUSM provides the following accommodations, not limited to but include:

  • Health and Safety Requests: Allow accommodations to protect the health of the pregnant individual, such as maintaining a safe distance from hazardous substances.
  • Modified Academic Support for Primary Caregivers: Provide academic adjustments for students who are full-time caregivers of a newborn or young child.
  • Physical Environment Adjustments: Offer modifications like accessible seating and parking.
  • Flexible Deadlines and Make-Up Work: Extend deadlines and allow make-up tests or assignments for pregnancy-related absences.
  • Breastfeeding Support: Ensure access to private, clean, and accessible lactation spaces with reasonable time for pumping.
  • Remote Learning Options: Provide the option for remote learning when necessary.
  • Protection Against Retaliation: Prohibit any retaliation or harassment against students exercising their pregnancy rights.
  • Medical Absence Allowance: Excuse all medically necessary absences related to pregnancy.
  • Leave of Absence: Permit a leave of absence for pregnancy or related conditions.

 

Lactation Room Access & Availability:

On the 3rd Floor, Room 353.

 

FAQs

Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex – including pregnancy, parenting, and all related conditions – in educational programs and activities that get federal funding. This means that schools must give all students who might be, are, or have been pregnant the same access to school programs and educational opportunities that other students have. Your professors or administrators should not tell you that you have to drop out of your classes or program or change your educational plans due to your pregnancy.

Your school must excuse your absences due to pregnancy or any related conditions for as long as your doctor says it is necessary for you to be absent. This is true even if there is no leave policy for students with other conditions. When you return to school, you must be reinstated to the status you held before your leave. The school can require you to submit a doctor’s note from you only if that is required of students with other medical conditions.

You cannot be penalized for pregnancy or related conditions. If a professor provides specific “points” or other advantages to students based on class attendance, you must be given the opportunity to earn back the credit from classes you miss due to pregnancy, so that you can be reinstated to the status you held before you took leave.