Pregnancy & Lactation Support
The Title IX Office provides support for students experiencing pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, false pregnancy, pregnancy loss, or recovery from any of these conditions. During an intake and support meeting, Title IX staff will share the rights of a pregnant or lactating student on campus, university obligations, campus resource referrals, and supportive measures available, including academic adjustments, leaves of absence, physical accommodations, and more. Title IX staff can assist in developing a supportive academic and co-curricular plan for labor, delivery, and the recovery period after.
If you are a student who is pregnant and/or experiencing a pregnancy-related condition, or staff/faculty looking to support a student, please review VCU's Pregnancy and Lactating Rights and Resources for Students. This document outlines VCU's obligations as described by the US Department of Education and contains helpful information on how to seek support and adjustments.
Resources
On Campus Resources
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Off Campus Resources |
LeaveTitle IX can assist students in creating a plan for their delivery and recovery period, including coordinating a medical leave of absence with the Dean of Student Advocacy office if necessary. |
Student Lactation FAQhttps://equity.vcu.edu/title-ix/pregnancy--lactation-support/student-lactation-faq/ |
Student Lactation RoomsAll students, staff, faculty, and guests can access many lactation spaces across VCU's Monroe Park and MCV campuses. Visit the VCU Map to find a list of all Lactation Spaces on campus here. Each space includes room photos, information on accessibility, and features that are in or around each lactation space. To use the map, go to the left-hand bar and select the following: “Campus & Student Services”/“Inclusive Resources”/“Lactation Rooms.” Students seeking support for pregnancy or lactation can reach out to VCU’s Title IX office for more information. |
Title IX specifically prohibits discrimination against a student based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions. Title IX regulation also prohibits a school from applying any rule related to a student’s parental, family, or marital status that treats students differently based on their sex. Under Title IX, it is illegal for schools to exclude a pregnant student from participating in any part of an educational program.
The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights’ pamphlet entitled Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnant and Parenting Students Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (PDF) includes strategies that can be used to address the educational needs of students who become pregnant or have children. Although this pamphlet focuses on secondary schools, the legal principles apply to all recipients of federal financial assistance, including post-secondary institutions.
The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has additional information regarding pregnancy here: Know Your Rights: Pregnant or Parenting? Title IX Protects You From Discrimination At School.
In addition to Title IX, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) amended Title VII in 1978 and prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions constitutes unlawful sex discrimination under Title VII.
Reporting Discrimination
If you believe you've experienced discrimination because of your pregnancy, please report your concerns using this form.
Lactation Rooms
If you are having trouble accessing a lactation room, please report your concerns using this form.