Pregnant and Parenting Students
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.
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.
Pregnant students & faculty with pregnant students in their course
A pregnant student may require simple adjustments that can be worked out with faculty. For example, a pregnant student may need to sip on water or have a small snack. They may need to go to the restroom more frequently. They may need extra time on an assignment because of morning sickness.
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.
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.
Employees (Faculty and Staff)
Currently, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), along with Title VII's Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), protect pregnant workers from discrimination and require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related limitations. In other words, the employer or other covered entity must treat them the same way as it treats any other temporarily disabled employee.
The PWFA, enforced by the EEOC, covers all employees who work for an employer with more than 15 employees, including both public and private employers. It covers people who need accommodations because they are pregnant or have just given birth, or who need accommodations because of medical conditions related to pregnancy. These accommodations must be provided unless they would cause the employer an undue hardship. Examples of reasonable accommodations include light duty, modified work schedules, more frequent breaks, and allowing time off for appointments.
The PDA forbids employment discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth. The law requires employers to treat a pregnant employee who is temporarily unable to perform or is limited in performing the functions of her job because of pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition in the same manner as it treats other employees who are similar in their ability or inability to work.
The ADA requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities so long as doing so does not impose an undue hardship on the employer. Although pregnancy alone is not a disability under the ADA, many pregnancy-related conditions are disabilities that an employer may have to accommodate under the ADA. An employee with a pregnancy-related disability under the ADA may also qualify for Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave.
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) provides workers with state-level protection against pregnancy discrimination and retaliation. This statute is similar to the federal PDA.
Employees who need assistance with seeking accommodations or in filing a complaint should contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance at 114 W. Rosedale Avenue or call 610-436-2433.
How do I report harassment or discrimination due to pregnancy?
Complete this form or call 610.436.2433 and you will be put in contact with the Title IX and ADA Coordinator.
Resources
Lactation Spaces
West Chester University provides lactation spaces to support breastfeeding. 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. Except for 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 can 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) or contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance. Those having issues with walking due to their pregnancy may request a temporary handicapped parking permit from Parking Services with appropriate medical documentation.
Other Resources
WCU Caregiving (Students & Employees) from the Center for Women and Gender Equity