Title IX and Pregnancy

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Student Rights

A student who is pregnant or parenting may be provided accommodations so that they are not excluded from any education program or activity. These accommodations are determined through a cooperative process between the office of Disability and Access Services and the faculty member on a case by case basis to determine reasonable accommodations for the student.

If you are a student who is pregnant or under any of the conditions listed above, you may receive accommodations similar to those given to students with a temporary illness when deemed medically necessary.

What qualifies under pregnancy or parenting rights?

• Pregnancy
• Childbirth
• False pregnancy
• Termination of pregnancy
• Conditions arising in connection with pregnancy
• Recovery from any of those conditions (lasting up to 2 months after delivery)
• Adoption of a child or placement of a foster child during the first 2 months from the time the child entered the home

How do I request accommodations?

Students seeking pregnancy or parenting accommodations should contact Disability and Access Services (DSS) at (360) 442-2340. A DSS staff member will discuss the pregnant or parenting individual’s needs, and may ask for documentation that supports the requested adjustments.

What types of accommodations may I request?

• Specific accommodations will be handled on a case by case basis and will depend on medical need and academic requirements. Some examples include:
• A larger desk
• Breaks during class, as needed
• Permitting temporary access to elevators
• Rescheduling tests or exams
• Excusing absences due to pregnancy or related conditions
• Submitting work after a deadline missed due to pregnancy or childbirth
• Providing alternatives to make up missed work
• Allowing excused absences for parenting students (both mothers and fathers) who need to take their children to doctors’ appointments or to take care of their sick children
• Allowing you to return to the same academic or extracurricular status as before your medical leave began

Is there a space for students to breastfeed and/or pump breastmilk?

Lower Columbia College has a dedicated space for students to breastfeed and/or pump breastmilk. Please contact Disability and Access Services at (360) 442-2340 for location and entry code.

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Employee Rights

Pregnant employees may request certain changes to their working environment to accommodate their pregnancy and health conditions after the birth of the baby, such as the need to breastfeed or express breast milk. Additionally, through the Family Medical Leave Act and Paid Family and Medical Leave, employee parents are entitled to time off after the birth of a baby, placement of a foster child, or adoption.

How do I request accommodations?

Pregnant and parenting employees seeking accommodations or a leave of absence should contact Human Resources at (360) 442-2120. Leave of absences and some accommodations require medical documentation or other verifying documentation.

What types of accommodations may I request?

• Leave of absence (consecutive, intermittent, or combination of consecutive and intermittent)
• Job restructuring including but not limited to: modifying a work schedule, job reassignment, changes to a workstation, equipment, telework
• Frequent, longer, or flexible breaks
• Scheduling flexibility

Click here for more information about your employment and benefits relative to pregnancy.

Is there a space for employees to breastfeed and/or pump breastmilk?

Lower Columbia College has a dedicated space for students to breastfeed and/or pump breastmilk. Please contact Disability and Access Services at (360) 442-2340 for location and entry code.

Contact Title IX Coordinator

The Title IX /EEO Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator can address faculty, staff and student concerns related to sexual harassment, sexual assault and other actions that fall within the college' obligations under Title IX. In addition, contact any Taskforce Member.