We recognize that nursing, pregnant and/or parenting employees and students can have any gender identity; please be aware that some of the language throughout these sections is reflective of legal text, which we recognize may be limiting in terms of identity. Click on the topics below for additional information.
The information shared in this section is adapted from the Office for Civil Rights guide to pregnant and parenting student rights.(opens in new window)
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.* Here are some things you should know about your rights:
Helpful Tips for Pregnant and Parenting Students
- Ask us for help—meet with our Title IX Coordinator or counselor regarding what we can do to support you in continuing your education.
- Keep notes about your pregnancy-related absences, any instances of harassment and your interactions with school officials about your pregnancy, and immediately report problems to our office, Title IX Coordinator, counselor, or other staff.
- If you feel you are being discriminating against because you are pregnant or parenting you may file a report or a complaint:
- Contact OCR if you have any questions.
If you want to learn more about your rights, or if you believe that a school district, college, or university is violating Federal law, you may contact the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, at 800-421-3481 or ocr@ed.gov. If you wish to fill out a complaint form online, you may do so.
The Lactation Support Program encompasses the accommodations available to expecting and new parents, supporting their transition back into the workplace or classes after the birth of their child. Chico State understands the challenges of leaving your newborn and is committed to easing the transition through accommodations for employee break times and use of campus lactation spaces.
Lactating parents have a right to request a reasonable lactation accommodation, including a private space reasonably close to their working and learning environment.