Pregnancy & Associated Conditions

U.S. Department of Education: Discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery therefrom is against the law.

Title IX makes it illegal to discriminate because of sex, which includes discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion, or related conditions, including recovery. 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.

Further, any rules concerning parental, family, or marital status may not apply differently based on sex. For example, schools cannot provide women with time to bond with or care for their children and not men, if this is provided by a school.

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. Certain modifications to the educational environment require a doctor’s note.

If you are a pregnant student (or have any associated condition resulting from pregnancy) and need support, you should fill out this form to self-identify so the Interim Title IX Coordinator can briefly meet with you to explain your rights and options. You should also fill out this form if you need help navigating disability services.

Do you need to use the Lactation Room?

The Lactation Room is a private room, available on a first come-first serve basis, located on the 5th floor, room 532.

For questions regarding the Lactation Room contact facilities at operationsrequests@ciis.edu.