Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires that schools that receive federal funds must not discriminate against students on the basis of sex, including a student’s pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination, or recovery therefrom. Schools must provide equal access to school programs and extracurricular activities to students who might be, are, or have been pregnant. Schools are required to treat pregnant and parenting students, including male students, the same way they treat other students who are similarly able or unable to participate in school activities (NWLC).  This includes excusing medically approved absences related to pregnancy, and allowing a reasonable amount of time to make up the work missed, including academic deadline extensions, leaves of absence, and adjusted graduation timelines.

In compliance with the legal requirements of Title IX, URI provides accommodations to serve the caregiving needs of students in a manner that aims for consistent, equitable treatment of all members of the university community.  In accordance with URI’s philosophy of providing services to students with disabilities, accommodations beyond the minimum requirements of Title IX is our standard.  Considering the many challenges and relatively complex decision-making that surrounds having a baby and/or caring for a child while attending school, no written policy or procedures can cover all contingencies and unique circumstances.  There is no substitute for open and timely communication, cooperation, and good faith efforts among all parties involved to respond in a supportive way to each unique situation.

Your Rights

The National Women’s Law Center’s report, “A Pregnancy Test for Schools” clearly delineates the rights of pregnant and parenting students in a convenient Bill of Rights.

1. You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
2. You have the right to be free of discrimination. No one can kick you out of school because you are pregnant or a parent.
3. Your school must excuse absences due to pregnancy or childbirth for as long as your doctor says it is necessary. All of your teachers are required to give you a reasonable amount of time, after the conclusion of those absences, to make up the work you missed.
4. Separate programs or schools for students who are pregnant or parents must be completely voluntary. You cannot be forced to attend a separate school.
5. You have the right to the same opportunities as other students. If you attend a separate program, the classes and the activities offered must be equal to those at a mainstream school.
6. Special services that are provided for temporarily disabled students must also be provided for pregnant students. If temporarily disabled students get at-home tutoring to help them keep up with work, so should students who miss school because of pregnancy or childbirth.
7. Pregnant and parenting students do not have to turn in a doctor’s note to continue going to school or to participate in activities unless all students with a medical condition are required to do so.
8. You have the right to be free of harassment and bullying. This includes sexual harassment, like being called a “slut” or having sexual rumors spread about you at school.
9. You have a right to privacy. Teachers and other school officials do not have the right to disclose your pregnancy to anyone without your permission.
10. You have the right to be free of retaliation. If you complain to school officials or your Title IX coordinator, teachers and administrators cannot retaliate or punish you for speaking out.

Financial Resources

Pregnant and parenting students can face additional financial challenges, and are encouraged to seek financial aid, including scholarships and child care grants.

Child Care Assistance Grants for Undergraduates

URI Scholarships for parenting students:

• Beaupre Family Scholarship – Arts & Sciences
• Eleanor M. & Oscar Carlson scholarship – Arts & Sciences
• Madelyn Grady Geisser Endowed Scholarship – Arts and Sciences
• Suzanna Anstine Norbeck Endowed Scholarship – Feinstein CCE
• Jose Bowen Tombs Scholarship – General

URI Resources

1. URI Pregnant and Parenting Student Network – Facebook Page
2. URI Women’s Center
3. URI Lactation Facilities
4. Health:  Counseling and Health Services.  When a student thinks she may be pregnant, it can be a time of joy or turmoil, depending on the circumstances.  Talking with partners, family, and friends can be very helpful, but sometimes additional support is needed.  Students will also need medical services and advice at this time.  The University offers several confidential services and resources that might be helpful to students who are pregnant or suspect they are pregnant.
   1. Counseling Center. The Counseling Center offers students a supportive, nonjudgmental environment in which to make personal decisions regarding whether to keep or terminate a pregnancy.  Counselors are also available to support students emotionally regarding all the issues that can arise during and after a pregnancy.  We also offer brief family and couples consultations regarding these issues.  The Counseling Center also has crisis counselors available Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:30 should an urgent need arise for support.  All counseling sessions are confidential.  Call 401.874.2288 or come to 217 Roosevelt Hall to set up an appointment.
   2. Health Services.  Students can obtain pregnancy testing at Health Services Women’s Clinic (401.874.5151).  If the pregnancy test is positive, the student will be sent for a consultation with one of the RN’s on the Health Education staff (401.874.5954).  The health educator will discuss various options available to the student.  If the student decides to carry the pregnancy to term, she will be referred off-campus for pre-natal care and after birth care.  The providers that the students will be referred to are ones that accept school insurance.
5. Student Health Insurance.  URI may provide students the option to purchase an insurance policy that covers conditions related to pregnant and parenting students.

Outside Resources

The following agencies provide counseling on options for pregnant women and abortion services:

• Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (401.421.9620) http://www.ppsne.org/
• Women’s Medical Center of Rhode Island (401.467.9111) http://www.wmcri.com/

The following agencies provide services designed to help with continuing a pregnancy; they also offer help regarding adoption and parenting choices.

• Bethany Christian Services (1.800.BETHANY) http://www.bethany.org/
• Children’s Friend and Services (401.331.2900) http://www.cfsri.org/
• Jewish Family Services, Inc. (401.331.1244) http://www.jfsri.org/adoption-services/for-birth-parents/counseling-support/
• Wide Horizons for Children (401.421.4752) http://www.whfc.org/
• Friends in Adoption (1.800.982.3678)  http://www.friendsinadoption.org/
• CareNet RI http://www.carenetri.org/

 Other Resources:

• Backline (888.439.0092) http://yourbackline.org/ A website and helpline devoted to providing “inclusive and nonjudgmental support” regarding pregnancy, adoption, abortion and parenting concerns.   The hotline is available Mon.-Thurs. 5-10 pm, Fri.-Sun. 10am to 3pm.
• How to Survive Unexpected Pregnancy While in College http://voices.yahoo.com/how-survive-unexpected-pregnancy-while-college-1481435.html
• National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy (July 2015). Briefly, Unplanned Strategies Among College Students and How to Address It. 

National Women’s Law Center – Pregnant and Parenting Students

• A Pregnancy Test for Schools: The Impact of Education Laws on Pregnant and Parenting Student
• Fact Sheet:  Pregnant and Parenting Students:  A Guide for Schools