Pregnant and Parenting Students

The College’s Equal Education Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy (41002) (PDF, ) makes clear that discrimination is prohibited against persons on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities. The legal prohibition against sex discrimination in education comes from, among other places, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 (“Title IX”). Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including pregnancy and related conditions. The College must give all students who might be, are, or have been pregnant the same access to school programs and educational opportunities as other students. Thus, the College is obligated to provide the following academic adjustments, accommodations, and support:

• Absences due to pregnancy or any related conditions must be excused for as long as medically necessary. When the student returns to school, she must be reinstated to the same status.
• Faculty who base grades on class attendance cannot penalize a pregnant student for her absence and must allow the student to earn back the credit from the classes missed.
• Students must be given the opportunity to make up missed work, with the goal of graduating on time, if possible and if desired by the student. Montgomery College is required to let students make up work missed while absent from class due to pregnancy or any related conditions, including bed rest or recovery from childbirth. It is recommended that for an extended absence, the student and faculty member work together to keep up with regularly scheduled assignments.
• With appropriate medical documentation, students may be provided with DSS Accommodations. Students may also need a larger classroom desk, a designated lactation room, or allowed frequent trips to the restroom.
• Students who are pregnant or dealing with pregnancy-related conditions must be permitted to continue their off-campus work, including internships and career rotations.
• These rules supersede any school- or instructor-based attendance or other policies regarding allowable numbers of absences or ability to make up missed work.

In an effort to proactively provide continuing support to our faculty and students and ensure compliance, a dean, faculty member, pregnant or parenting student who needs information or assistance with arranging academic or other related adjustments and support should contact the Director of ADA Compliance & Title IX Coordinator, Kristen Roe at 240-567-4279, or kristen.roe@montgomerycollege.edu.

Specific information on supporting the academic success of pregnant and/or parenting students is available at the U.S. Department of Educationnew window.

Information and materials regarding Title IX’s prohibition against discrimination based on pregnancy and related conditions is available at the National Women’s Law Centernew window.

Mamava Lactation Suites

Montgomery College has installed Mamava Lactation Suites for new mothers to nurse their babies or to express breast milk. Help to get the word out that Mamava Lactation Suites are located on all three campuses in the following locations.

Mamava Pods are available on demand to anyone who is on campus and in need of a private space to nurse or express breast milk. Access is no longer controlled through proxy cards. Instead, the units lock from the inside. If a user experiences any challenges in accessing or locking a pod, please contact Public Safety at (240) 567-3333 for assistance.

Use of the Mamava pods is first come, first served. Users are responsible for their own pump, ice packs for storage, and paper products. Restrooms are located close by for convenience.

General comments or concerns about the Mamava pods can be directed to the Director of ADA Compliance & Title IX Coordinator, Kristen Roe at (240) 567-4279 or kristen.roe@montgomerycollege.edu.