Pregnant & Parenting Students’ Rights Under Title IX
Title IX prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy and related conditions in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. These protections include pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, and recovery from these conditions.
Title IX also prohibits the College from applying rules concerning parental, family, or marital status that treat students differently based on sex.
Employees also have protections related to pregnancy and childbirth under Title IX and other federal and state laws. For information about workplace rights and accommodations, visit the HR Pregnancy & Parenting Employees page.
Right to Continue Your Education
- You may continue participating in classes, programs, and extracurricular activities while pregnant.
- The College may not exclude you from an education program or activity because of pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from these conditions.
- Participation in any separate program or activity specifically for pregnant students must be voluntary.
Pregnancy-Related Adjustments and Services
The College must provide pregnant students with adjustments and services consistent with Title IX requirements.
Depending on the circumstances, these may include:
- A larger desk or other physical adjustments;
- Elevator access;
- Additional restroom breaks;
- Adjustments necessary to allow continued participation in classes or activities; and
- Services provided to other students with temporary medical conditions.
The College generally may not require medical documentation related to participation unless documentation is required under the same circumstances for other students with physical or emotional conditions requiring medical treatment.
Pregnancy-Related Absences
- Absences due to pregnancy or childbirth must be excused for as long as medically necessary.
- When you return, you must be restored to the same academic and extracurricular status you held before the medically necessary absence.
- You must be provided an opportunity to make up work missed because of pregnancy or childbirth.
- You may not be penalized academically for medically necessary pregnancy- or childbirth-related absences.
Lactation Support
Edmonds College provides lactation space for students who need a private location to express milk or breastfeed.
A designated lactation room located in Brier Hall, Room 246. For access to the room, visit the front desk in Brier Hall, Room 252.
Contact the Title IX Office if you need assistance identifying an appropriate space or addressing a pregnancy- or lactation-related concern.
Freedom From Discrimination and Harassment
Students have the right to participate in College programs and activities without discrimination based on pregnancy or related conditions.
Harassment related to pregnancy or related conditions may also constitute prohibited sex discrimination when it is sufficiently serious to interfere with a student's ability to participate in or benefit from the College's education program or activity.
Parenting, Family, and Marital Status
The College may not apply rules concerning parental, family, or marital status differently based on sex.
Additional College policies, state law, or other federal laws may provide protections beyond those required by Title IX.
Questions, support, or Concerns?
If you have questions about pregnancy-related rights, need assistance accessing your education because of pregnancy or a related condition, or believe you have experienced discrimination, contact the Edmonds College Title IX Coordinator:
425. 640.1814
titleix@edmonds.edu