Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex—including pregnancy and parental status—in educational programs and activities.
All public and private schools, school districts, colleges, and universities receiving any Federal funds (“schools”) must comply with Title IX.
Title IX includes protections for pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, false pregnancy and recovery.
The university is required to:
- Excuse medically necessary absences:
- Applies regardless of the students absent policy.
- Students cannot be penalized for taking a leave. This includes medical appointments, or a longer leave of absence (take time off for childbirth and recovery):
- Must be given the opportunity to make up missed class credits, exams, or assignments.
- Students may be asked to provide a doctor’s note only if other students are required to do so for absences. Professors cannot ask about the details of the medical condition.
- Students have the right to take medically necessary leave and to be free of harassment, intimidation, or other discrimination because of pregnancy-related conditions.
- Provide students with at least the same services as students with temporary disabilities as pregnancy related disabilities are covered under American with Disability Act (ADA).
For supportive measures requests, questions, concerns, or complaints please contact Carmen Sirizzotti, Title IX Coordinator, at csirizzotti@unmc.edu.