Pregnancy, Childbirth and Breastfeeding Student Resources
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs. This law makes it illegal to discriminate because of sex, which includes discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions, including recovery.
"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Title IX
Pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding accommodations
Reasonable accommodations are available to students who experience pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or have documented pregnancy-related conditions. These accommodations are on a case-by-case basis and may include:
- Additional or longer breaks
- Temporary access to elevators
- Temporary modification to workspace such as seating
- Extension for assignments
- Excused absences
- Schedule change, and
- Use of lactation room
Absences and making up missed work
Students absent for documented medically necessary reasons related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding are allowed to return to the same academic status as before the absences. Differing from AD/504 accommodations, these students are allowed to make up missed work, including any missed participation-related points, as long as the student’s doctor deems absence medically necessary. Instructor’s course policies regarding attendance and make-up generally cannot override these legal accommodation requirements.
Lactation rooms
- Space is available on all four M State campuses:
- Detroit Lakes – across from E102
- Fergus Falls – W640
- Moorhead – C124
- Wadena – N17
Financial aid and scholarships
Student loan borrowers who wish to take a semester off and keep their student status or scholarships should contact the financial aid office to determine the impact of a leave. Recipients of any type of financial aid including grants, loans, or scholarships should discuss the impact of taking fewer credits with the financial aid office staff. More information, including staff contact information can be found at Financial Aid, calling/texting M State at 877-450-3322, or emailing financialaid@minnesota.edu.
