Pregnant and Parenting Students

Access and Modification for Pregnant and Parenting Students

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and Southwest Minnesota State University is committed to ensuring programs, services, and activities are accessible to students who may be pregnant, experiencing a pregnancy related condition, or parenting a child under the age of 18. SMSU recognizes that students experiencing the aforementioned may need modifications or adjustments to have equitable opportunities to participate in or benefit from programs, services, and activities. 

This procedure and its related protections apply to all students, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or gender expression.

Definitions

Familial Status
A student who has custody or is the designated parent or guardian of one or more children under the age of 18. Familial status also means residing with and caring for one or more individuals who lack the ability to meet essential requirements for physical health, safety, or self-care because the individual or individuals are unable to receive and evaluate information or make or communicate decisions. The protections afforded against discrimination on the basis of family status apply to any person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of an individual who is under the age of 18.

Martial Status
The status of a students as single, married, remarried, divorced, separated, or a surviving spouse. 

Parenting Student
A student who is the parent or legal guardian of or can claim as a dependent a child under the age of 18.

Pregnancy and Related Conditions
The full spectrum of processes and events connected with pregnancy, including pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation; related medical conditions; and recovery therefrom.

Reasonable Modifications
Individualized modifications that are necessary to prevent sex discrimination and to ensure equitable access to college and university programs and activities; reasonable modifications do not fundamentally alter any education program or activity. Individualized modifications may include modifications to the Minnesota State rules, policies, or practices. 

Student Parent Navigators
Each college and university shall designate at least one employee to act as a student parent navigator who provides information regarding support services and other resources available to students on campus and in the local community.

Access and Modification for Pregnant and Parenting Students (1B.1.3 Procedure)

To review state statutes, go to Minnesota Revisor's Office 

• Information Provided to Student Parents and Pregnant Students (sect.135A.15)
• Protections for Pregnant and Parenting Students (sect. 135A.1582)

To view related federal statutes, go to the U.S. Government Publishing Office site

• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX)
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act