UA Little Rock is committed to maintaining a safe and non-discriminatory learning and working environment for all members of our University community. This includes providing support and resources to those who are pregnant, parenting, or experiencing related conditions. UA Little Rock encourages students who are pregnant to disclose this information to the Disability Resource Center if they are seeking accommodations. Employees should contact Human Resources for information regarding pregnancy accommodations.
The US Department of Education’s regulation implementing Title IX specifically prohibits discrimination against a student based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions. If you are a pregnant or parenting student, UA Little Rock has resources to help you.
Here is a video on Pregnancy, Parenting, and Related Conditions filmed on March 28, 2024 by Director of Title IX, Emily Bell.
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Title IX and Pregnancy
The Title IX regulation, at 34 C.F.R. § 106.31(a), states as follows: “Except as provided elsewhere in this part, no person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any academic, extracurricular, research, occupational training, or other education program or activity operated by a recipient which receives Federal financial assistance.”
Specifically, Title IX prohibits discrimination against a student based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions. Title IX also ensures the right to take medically necessary leave and to be free of harassment, intimidation, or other discrimination because of pregnancy-related conditions.
What does this mean for you as a Student?
Students must be allowed to take time off of school for pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, abortion, and/or recovery for as long as their doctor says is medically necessary. That could mean a few absences for necessary medical appointments or a longer leave of absence for a high-risk pregnancy or childbirth. This rule applies even if taking medically necessary leave would require an absence for longer than the school’s leave policy ordinarily allows. Students cannot be penalized for taking leave and must be able to return to school in the same status they held before taking leave.
Frequently Asked Questions for Students
Where can a student seek assistance for pregnancy-related accommodations?
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides adjustments/accommodations for students experiencing pregnancy-related medical complications. If you are a student who is pregnant and experiencing pregnancy-related medical complications and needs assistance with adjustments/accommodations, contact the DRC at 501-916-3143 or disability@ualr.edu.
The Office of Title IX (Title IX) assists pregnant students who are not experiencing pregnancy-related medical complications requiring pregnancy-related adjustments/accommodations or who have given birth and continue to require adjustments/accommodations. If you are a pregnant student not experiencing pregnancy-related medical complications or have given birth and need assistance with adjustments/accommodations, contact Title IX at 501-916-5716 or titleix@ualr.edu.
What are some examples of possible accommodations I can request?
Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, you are entitled to reasonable accommodations. The Office of Title IX works directly with the Disability Resource Center to ensure that accommodations are in place for students who are experiencing pregnancy, parenting, and related conditions.
Examples of possible reasonable accommodations are:
- Excused absences due to pregnancy or related condition
- Reviewing lectures online if available
- Opportunity to make up field/lab work
- Rescheduling of tests or exams
- A larger desk
- Breaks during class, as needed
- Submitting work after a deadline missed due to pregnancy or childbirth
- Providing alternatives to make up missed work
- Assignment of an Incomplete * grade
- Allowing “Withdrawal” * with a refund
*If a student is eligible
If you would like to review possible reasonable accommodations contact the Title IX Office for further information. If you are a faculty or staff member and require workplace accommodations related to pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, contact Human Resources.
Pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions may necessitate absences. Will those absences be excused?
Yes. Absences due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions must be excused and cannot be treated or penalized like unexcused absences.
What happens when a pregnant student misses assignments, tests, exams, etc. due to an excused absence?
After an excused absence due to pregnancy, childbirth, or any related medical conditions, professors must allow a reasonable time for the student to make up missed assignments and tests. This is true regardless of the professor’s typical makeup assignment policy.
Can pregnant students be penalized for their absence if grades in a class are based on attendance or participation?
A student may not be penalized for absences known to be due to pregnancy, childbirth, or other related medical conditions. A professor cannot reduce a pregnant student’s grade because of attendance or participation points that the student missed during excused absences due to her pregnancy-related conditions.
Can a pregnant student participate in internships and other off-campus programs?
Yes. Pregnant students cannot be excluded from University-related off-campus programs, such as internships, off-campus activities, University-sponsored activities, and other extracurricular activities. A professor cannot require a doctor’s note to show fitness to participate unless it is required for all students in the program.
Does the university have designated areas for mothers to breastfeed, pump milk, or address other needs related to breastfeeding throughout the day?
Yes. To see on-campus locations of lactation rooms follow this link.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Title IX Office
Department of Human Resources
University Services 100
916-5716 titleix@ualr.edu
UA Little Rock Resources
Lactation Spaces
Health Services
Childcare Connections
Disability Resource Center
Counseling Services
External Resources
U.S. Department of Education, Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnant and Parenting Students Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
NCAA Pregnant & Parenting Student-athletes
The Pregnant Scholar
Office for Civil Rights Know Your Rights: Pregnant or Parenting? Title IX Prevents You from Discrimination at School
