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Pregnant & Parenting Students’ Rights Under Title IX

Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination, including discrimination related to pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, abortion, recovery, and lactation. These protections apply to all students in programs or activities receiving federal funding.

Right to Continue Your Education

  • You may remain enrolled and continue participating in classes and extracurricular activities.
  • The college may not exclude you from any class or activity because of pregnancy or a related condition.

Reasonable Modifications

  • The college must provide reasonable modifications to support your continued access to education while pregnant, recovering from childbirth, lactating, or experiencing pregnancy-related conditions.
  • Modifications may include adjustments to attendance, coursework deadlines, testing schedules, class participation, or physical access.
  • You are not required to accept a modification you do not want or need.
  • Medical documentation may only be requested when it is necessary and reasonable to determine appropriate modifications.

Pregnancy-Related Absences

  • Absences related to pregnancy or related conditions must be excused for as long as medically necessary.
  • You may not be penalized for pregnancy-related absences.
  • Upon return, you must be provided a reasonable opportunity to make up missed work and be restored to your prior academic status.

Lactation Support

  • You are entitled to breaks during class to express milk or breast/chest-feed.
  • The college must provide access to a clean, private lactation space that is not a bathroom.

Edmonds College provides a designated lactation room located in Brier Hall, Room 246. To use the room, simply visit the front desk at Brier 252

Freedom From Harassment and Discrimination

  • You have the right to learn in an environment free from harassment or discrimination related to pregnancy, parenting, family status, or marital status.
  • The college must take prompt and effective action to address sex-based harassment and its effects.

Parental and Family Status

The college may not apply gender-based stereotypes or treat students differently based on parental, family, or marital status.

Title IX Support and Information

  • Every college must designate a Title IX Coordinator.
  • If you inform a college employee that you are pregnant or have a related condition, you must be provided the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information and informed of available support.
  • The Title IX Coordinator can explain your rights and help coordinate reasonable modifications, voluntary leaves, and lactation support.

Additional Rights

You may have additional protections under other federal, state, or local laws, including disability and employment laws if you are also a student employee.

Questions or Concerns?

If you have questions about your rights or believe discrimination has occurred, contact the Edmonds College Title IX Coordinator at (425) 640-1814 or titleix@edmonds.edu.
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