Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities including academic, educational, extracurricular, employment, athletic and other programs or activities of schools. This prohibition includes discrimination against pregnant and parenting students.
A student who is pregnant may:
- Continue to participate in classes and activities.
- Receive reasonable adjustments/accommodations due to a pregnancy to ensure participation in classes and activities when necessary.
- Able to be absent from class due to pregnancy or childbirth for as long as the student’s doctor says is necessary.
- Return to the same academic and activities status as before upon returning after being absent, which should include giving the student the opportunity to make up any work missed while away.
The University of Michigan must:
- Ensure that professors/instructors understand the Title IX requirements related to absences. A professor/instructor must allow a student to submit work after a deadline missed because of pregnancy or childbirth. If grading is based in part on class participation or attendance and a student missed class because of pregnancy or childbirth, the student should be allowed to make up the participation or attendance credits.
- Provide pregnant students with the same reasonable adjustments/accommodations provided to students with temporary medical conditions.
Adjustments, Accommodations and Other Assistance
The following offices and resources can be of assistance in requesting accommodations and otherwise navigating pregnancy and parenting as a student or employee.
Rackham Resources and Information for Pregnant and Parenting Graduate Students
CEW+ Information for Student Caregivers
CEW+ Information on Supporting the Academic Excellence of Student Caregivers
Employee Maternity (Childbirth) and Parental Leave Information
Work-Life Resource Center List of Lactation Rooms