Title IX Office

Pregnancy Rights and Support

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Know Your Rights & Support



Rights

Title IX of Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex including pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, or recovery and prohibits a school from applying any rule concerning a student's actual or potential parental, family, or marital status which treats students differently on the basis of sex. Spelman College is committed to creating and maintaining a community where all individuals enjoy freedom from discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of sex, as mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

Resources

The choice to declare a pregnancy is voluntary, and a student is not required to disclose their pregnancy to the College. Students who are or become pregnant at any time during enrollment at Spelman have resources available that may assist with the continuation of their educational progression.

Balancing personal and professional responsibilities can bring unique challenges. The information below is designed to help you understand your rights, explore available supports, and feel confident in asking for the adjustments you need. 

SCHEDULE A MEETING

Contact Info

Title IX and Compliance

350 Spelman Lane, S.W.
Atlanta, GA. 30314

404-270-4005
titleixteam@spelman.edu

Mon. - Fri. | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

View Our Lactation Room

The Lactation Room at Spelman College is located in the Department of Health Services, MacVicar Hall Room 112.

Title IX Rights & Supportive Measures

Excused Absences and Returning to Class

If you need to miss class for reasons related to pregnancy, childbirth, recovery, or parenting responsibilities such as navigating adoption or foster placement, those absences must be excused if they are medically necessary or otherwise justified under the College’s policy. 

When you’re ready to return, you should be able to resume your studies in the same academic status you held before taking leave. You cannot be penalized for pregnancy- or parenting-related absences- even if you’ve missed more classes than normally allowed by your instructor’s attendance policy. 

Faculty are encouraged to work with you to make up missed coursework, such as: 

  • Participation or attendance credit 
  • Quizzes or exams 
  • Papers or projects 

Sometimes, coursework can be done during the semester. In other cases, an incomplete may be the best option until you’re able to finish your coursework. Please speak with your Academic Advisor to explore the best course of action for you. 

Examples of Reasonable Adjustments
  • Taryn gave birth during finals week and couldn’t take her last exam. Her doctor recommended six weeks of recovery time. Her professor marked her course as “incomplete.” After she recovered, Taryn completed the exam, and her grade was updated for full credit. 
  • After experiencing a miscarriage, Deja needed time to attend a medical appointment and recover. With her doctor’s note, her absence was excused. To make up participation points, her professor offered an alternative discussion board post. 
  • Chantal’s doctor advised her to pump breast milk more frequently due to an infection. She needed to leave class a few minutes early to do so. Because her professor didn’t require other students who left early to provide notes, Chantal didn’t need to provide one either. 
Accommodations Beyond Leave
  • Remote learning options, when feasible 
  • Taking a full semester off isn’t always necessary or possible. Depending on your needs, other reasonable accommodations might include: 
  • Frequent breaks during class to use the restroom or eat
  • Adjusted deadlines for assignments Flexible attendance for appointments, caregiving responsibilities, or recovery 
  • Permission to stand, sit, or use mobility aids in class 
  • Access to the private Lactation/Parent Room in MacVicar Room 112  Temporary parking accommodations or assistance with transportation 

  • Our goal is to make sure you have reasonable flexibility and support needed to stay on track. 

Planning for a Longer Leave

If your doctor recommends a longer recovery period, or if you’re taking time to care for a new child through birth, adoption, or foster placement here are some questions to discuss with your advisor before finalizing your leave: 

  • Will this leave change my registration status? 
  • Will it affect my financial aid, health insurance, or housing? 
  • Will I lose access to the College’s benefits like the library, transportation, or printing? 
  • Do I need to complete any forms or approvals for my leave? 
  • What steps do I need to take to return to classes? 
  • When should I notify the College that I’m coming back? 
  • Are there things I can do now to make returning to classes smoother later? 

For more information about your rights, resources, and support please download and print our Pregnant and Parenting Brochure and our Pregnancy Policy. 

The Department of Education provides additional information for Pregnancy and Pregnancy-Related Conditions. For more information to know your rights. 

Campus Resources

Title IX & Compliance Office

Informs of rights and supportive resources related to the rights of pregnant students. If you’d like to connect with Title IX, complete the Meeting Request Form, contact 404-270-4005 or titleixteam@spelman.edu

The Counseling Center

Provides emotional and mental health support for students registered in a degree-seeking program. If you would like to schedule an appointment, contact 404-270-5293 or counseling@spelman.edu

The Student Access Center

Shares information about accommodation requests in the physical environment. To connect with the SAC, call (404) 270-5295 or email sac@spelman.edu.

Student Health Services

Offers information about health options and insurance. Contact Information: 404-270-5249 or hsd@spelman.edu

The Office of Financial Aid

Provides information on how your status may impact your financial aid package. Contact Information: 404-270-5193 or financialaid@spelman.edu

The Office of Undergraduate Studies

Shares information on submitting a leave of absence request or unexcused absences. Contact Information: 404-270-5701

The Office of Student Life and Engagement

Offers information about off-campus housing options. Contact Information: 404-270-5143 or studentlifeandengagement@spelman.edu

Lactation Room - MacVicar Hall Room 112

Provides a private and clean space for lactation. Please request key from Student Health Services, the Title IX Office, or the Office of Human Resources & Culture (for employees)

Your Academic Advisor

Provides assistance with planning to take Leave or returning after Leave.

Frequently Asked Questions / FAQs

Does the College have to excuse medically necessary absences due to pregnancy, childbirth, or other related conditions?
  • Yes. Under Title IX, the university must excuse absences that are medically necessary due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions—such as miscarriage, recovery from childbirth, postpartum depression, or gestational diabetes. A doctor’s note confirming your medical need is sufficient to verify your absence. 
  • When you’re ready to return, you have the right to resume your studies in the same academic standing you held before your leave—without penalty or grade reduction. 
  • If your leave needs to extend beyond the medically required timeframe, or if you need ongoing adjustments after returning, Title IX can help explore additional supports. 
  • Title IX protections apply to all areas of your education, including internships, labs, clinical rotations, athletics, and extracurricular activities. You cannot be asked to withdraw or be treated differently because of pregnancy, recovery, or related conditions. 
What is an excused absence? Do I have to complete makeup work?
  • An excused absence means your time away from class for pregnancy-related reasons cannot negatively impact your grades or participation record. 
  • Faculty may ask you to complete missed work, but: 
    • The make-up work should be fair and comparable to what other students are assigned—not extra or punitive. 
    • You must be given a reasonable amount of time to complete missed assignments. 
      • For example, if you missed two weeks of class, you should have at least two weeks after returning to finish that work. 
Does Title IX only protect me in the classroom?

No. Title IX protections extend to every aspect of your educational experience, including: 

  • Internships, practicums, and clinical placements 
  • Lab work or field experiences 
  • Athletic programs and training 
  • Student employment 
  • Clubs, leadership roles, and campus events 
  • Career services, job placement, and advising 

Students who are pregnant, recovering, or experiencing pregnancy-related conditions cannot be excluded or treated unfairly in any of these areas. 

I have had a difficult pregnancy, recovery, and/or childbirth. Can the College provide support?

Yes. If the College provides special services or accommodations for temporarily disabled students, those same supports must be available to students experiencing pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions. 

Depending on your situation, you may also qualify for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADAAA) or the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). 

Title IX can help coordinate adjustments such as: 

  • Modified attendance or participation expectations 
  • Extended deadlines or flexible testing 
  • Reserved or accessible seating 
  • Parking or mobility assistance 
Do I have a right to pump breast milk and/or breastfeed on campus?

Yes. The College must provide reasonable time and space for you to express breast milk or breastfeed. These absences are treated like any other medically necessary absence related to pregnancy or recovery. 

We offer a private, comfortable, and well-equipped Lactation Room in MacVicar Hall 112 - not in a restroom- so you have a clean and supportive space for feeding or pumping. 

Do I have rights as an employee?

Absolutely. If you are both a student and employee—or work for the College in any capacity—you are protected under multiple laws, including: 

 

  • Title IX (for students) 
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADAAA) 
  • The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) 
  • The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (where eligible) 

These laws ensure that you:

  • Are not discriminated against because of pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions
  • Receive reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related medical needs 
  • Have access to paid or unpaid, job-protected leave as applicable

For employment-specific questions, contact Human Resources and Culture or the Title IX and Compliance Office for individualized guidance. 

I have been treated negatively because of my pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, false pregnancy, or related condition. What can I do?

No one should ever face discrimination, harassment, or intimidation for being pregnant or experiencing pregnancy-related conditions (including miscarriage, false pregnancy, or recovery). 

If this happens, please know that you are protected under Title IX, and the College has a responsibility to take your concerns seriously. You can contact the Title IX & Compliance Office to report what happened or to learn about your options for support and resolution. 

You deserve to be treated with respect and dignity in every part of your educational and employment journey. 

 

Supportive Tools and Information

Helpful Links
Title IX Office: 404-270-4005

24-Hour Crisis Line
Safety and Resources