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, termination of
pregnancy, or recovery therefrom.
In addition, the College must assist a student with reasonable adjustment to continue their education. (U.S. Department of Education).
Additionally, Texas has specific legislation extending additional protections for pregnant and parenting students.
Under Texas Ed. Code. § 51.982 (SB 412), pregnant and parenting students of children under 18 cannot be forced out of school, limit their studies, attend an alternative program, change their major, degree, or certificate program, or be forced into or out of a particular course, activity or program based solely on their parenting status or “issues related to the student’s pregnancy or parenting.” SB 412 states pregnant and parenting students can take a leave of absence and provides further guidance for institutions to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions.
Texas Ed. Code. § 51.982 (HB 1361) requires institutions of higher education to have at least one liaison officer for students who are parents or guardians of children younger than 18 years.
Texas Ed. Code. § 51.982 (SB 459) extends early registration for parenting students if the institution of higher education provides early registration for any group of students in the same manner.
To report discrimination or harassment based on pregnancy or parenting status, contact:
Christi Fenter
Dean of Students/District Title IX Coordinator
[email protected]
432-264-5029
Submit an online report- https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?HowardCollege&layout_id=9