More than 20% of undergrad college students are parents, which accounts for roughly 3.8 million students parenting while pursuing an undergrad degree. About 70% of the students are mothers and 30% are fathers. [1][2]
Under Title IX, students who are pregnant or parenting are protected from discrimination on high school or college campuses that receive federal funding. This means your right to continue your education while pregnant or parenting is protected by law. Schools must allow excused absences or medical leave related to pregnancy or childbirth. You are also protected against harassment from other students, faculty, and staff.
All schools that are under Title IX cannot revoke a student’s academic or athletic scholarship due to pregnancy.
Your school must also allow you to return to the same academic status you held prior to any medical leave you take. This includes giving you opportunities to complete any work you may have missed while out. Additionally, pregnant students should be offered the same services provided to students with temporary medical conditions, including remote instruction, at-home tutoring, or independent study.
For more information, you can visit Your Rights – On Campus | Standing With You.
Did you know? Only about half of public two-year and four-year institutions offer on-campus childcare. And less than 10% of private institutions have campus childcare centers. [2]
References:
[1] Cruse, Lindsey Reichlin, et al. “Parents in College by the Numbers.” IWPR, 11 Apr. 2019.
[2] Ryberg, Renee, et al. “Higher Education Can Support Parenting Students and Their Children with Accessible, Equitable Services – Child Trends.” ChildTrends, 10 Jan. 2021.