Pregnancy & Parenting

The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), which prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. The Department's Title IX regulations prohibit discrimination based on pregnancy and related conditions in institutions that receive Federal funds.

The regulations make clear that Title IX protects students and employees from
discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, or recovery therefrom.

In addition, the University must assist a student with reasonable adjustment to continue their education. (U.S. Department of Education).

How to Request Pregnancy/Parenting Support for Yourself or for a Student

There are four ways in which pregnant or parenting students may request support. These options include:

1. Completing the pregnancy and parenting support form. After receiving the form our office will reach out to the student to discuss available university resources to help them navigate their pregnancy and parenting. Partners receive support as well.

2. Email the student with the attached pregnancy and parenting support postcard. This will provide the student with information on how the University can support them, and it will provide the contact information to our Title IX office. 

3. Call 806-742-7233 or email titleix@ttu.edu indicating the request for pregnancy or parenting support for the student. 

4. Walk-in! Our office is located in SUB 232. 

Pregnancy Support at Texas Tech

Title IX protects students who are navigating pregnancy, childbirth, and related outcomes. This includes their partners! 

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the University must:

• Excuse absences due to pregnancy or childbirth for as long as your doctor says it is necessary.
• Allow students to return to the same academic and extracurricular status as before medical leave began, which should include giving the opportunity to make up any work missed while the student was out.
• Ensure that faculty and staff understand the Title IX requirements related to excused absences/medical leave. Faculty may not refuse to allow a student to submit work after a missed deadline because of pregnancy or childbirth. If the professor's 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 they didn't have the chance to earn.
• Provide pregnant students with the same special services it provides to students with temporary medical conditions. This includes homebound instruction/at-home tutoring/independent study, parking accommodation and desk accommodation.
• For parking accommodation for expectant or nursing students, please complete the pregnancy/parenting support form.  

Postpartum Recovery Support

Our office supports students during their postpartum recovery. This includes recovery from not only childbirth, but also loss of pregnancy, false pregnancy, and other medically necessary situations related to pregnancy. The duration of this absence is determined between the student and their healthcare provider. The student must be allowed to return to their same academic standing and may not be academically penalized. There are many supportive measures for pregnant and parenting students, get in contact with our case managers to learn more on how we can support you!