Student Pregnancy and Parenting Policy
SUNY Jefferson
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Student Pregnancy and Parenting Policy

PURPOSE:

To establish a policy to prohibit harassment and discrimination of pregnant and/or parenting students. This policy applies to all students attending Jefferson and covers academic classes, activities, sporting events, clubs, etc.

(34 C.F.R. Part 104; 28 C.F.R. 35)

DEFINITIONS:

Certain terms are used in this document with specific meanings, as defined in this section.

  1. A pregnant/Parenting student is a student who is in the process of having a child naturally, via surrogacy, adoption and or legal guardianship, and foster care.
  2. Pregnant/Parenting students can be the individual who is pregnant or the partner of the pregnant individual. It also refers to students who are in the process of surrogacy, adoption, foster care and/or legal guardianship.

STATEMENT OF POLICY:

Jefferson Community College is committed to fostering a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive educational environment for students who are pregnant and/or parenting while attending Jefferson. Jefferson Community College, the staff, and faculty cannot discriminate based on pregnancy/and or parenting students and must accommodate students according to current college procedure.

The College’s policy is in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination and harassment due to pregnancy and/or parenting students. These laws include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Pregnancy Care Act, and the New York State Human Rights Law. These laws prohibit discrimination and harassment, including students who are pregnant and/or parenting.

Students are not legally required to inform faculty, staff, or any member of the administration of their pregnancy or parenting status, unless they are seeking accommodations. The College wishes to create an environment that encourages voluntary sharing of this information, so that the College can provide support for the physical and mental health of the student.

  1. This policy applies to all part-time and full-time undergraduate students attending Jefferson Community College for academic classes and campus activities including but not limited to sporting events and clubs.
  2. Each student interested in pursuing pregnant/parenting accommodations must follow the college’s Accommodation Procedures.
  3. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overseeing this policy.

Adopted: July 2024, Res. 153.24