Title IX Protections for Pregnant and Parenting Students

Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on sex, which includes pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion, adoption, and parental status in educational settings.

All institutions receiving federal funding, including Yavapai College, must comply with Title IX. This law takes precedence over any college policies, such as attendance rules set by instructors. Pregnant and parenting students have the same rights to participate in and complete their courses, activities, and academic programs as any other student. Yavapai College is committed to ensuring these students are supported in maintaining their educational goals without facing discrimination or barriers related to their pregnancy or parental responsibilities.

How do I exercise my rights under Title IX as a pregnant/parenting student?

There are two offices at YC that can help you, depending on your circumstances:

  • Title IX Office – The Title IX office is here to answer any questions you have about your rights as a pregnant student. They can also contact your instructor for you if you aren’t aware of YC’s federal obligations to pregnant students. Your Title IX contact is Monica Belknap at Monica.Belknap@yc.edu or 928-776-2211.
  • Disability Resources (DR) – If you have pregnancy-related complications that lead to class absences either before birth or after birth, contact Norma Ortega at Norma.Ortega@yc.edu or 928-776-2201.

If you deliver during the semester, you remain covered under Title IX and have protections that will allow you to make up missed course assignments.

I have a pregnancy-related doctor’s appointment and need to miss class. Will that count against my attendance?

No, your instructor is required to excuse you from class if you have a pregnancy-related appointment.

What if my instructor says they can’t excuse my absence or allow me to make up work if I miss a class due to a pregnancy-related issue?

First, know that it’s possible that your instructor just doesn’t know the federal requirements under Title IX and that YC’s Title IX office will help you resolve this. Please just contact the Title IX office or Disability Resources and we will communicate with your instructor.

What if I have a complication during pregnancy or delivery that requires a significant amount of time off from school?

Please contact Disability Resources (DR) to discuss your situation, and to determine if you qualify for reasonable accommodations under ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. You may be referred to the Title IX Office, depending on your situation.

Does this apply to me if I have a miscarriage or an abortion?

Yes. You do not need to disclose this information to your instructor if you are not comfortable. You can request excused absences/extra time for assignments directly from your instructor due to a medical issue. If your instructor says they cannot accommodate, please contact the Title IX office.

Depending on the amount of time you need, Title IX will assist you or will reach out to Disability Resources (DR) to assist you. DR will determine if you qualify for short or long-term disability status under ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. If qualified, DR will provide you with reasonable accommodations that your instructor must follow.

I need to take a class with a lab requirement that includes potential exposure to things such as chemicals, bacteria, radiation, etc. Am I allowed to take that class?

Yes. You are not prohibited from taking any classes at YC due to pregnancy. It is highly recommended that you consult with your medical provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and are taking a class with this kind of component.

What if I am being discriminated against due to my pregnancy/parenting status?

Contact the Title IX office. Occasionally a member of the YC community may not understand what the College’s obligations are to you under Title IX. The Title IX office can communicate with that person.

There are situations you can manage with pregnant students, and situations where you would want to refer the student to the Title IX office to help with decision-making:

Title IX rights afforded to pregnant students that the faculty and the student can manage together:

  • Pregnant students have the right to excused absences from class (cannot be marked absent) due to a pregnancy-related medical appointment.
  • Pregnant students have the right to make up class work missed if the student misses class due to a pregnancy-related medical appointment.

Title IX rights afforded to pregnant students that should be referred to the Title IX office for guidance:

  • Pregnant students have the right to a reasonable amount of time off (and the ability to make up class work) after delivery and recovery.
  • If they need extended time off due to pregnancy/delivery, pregnant students have the right to return to the same academic/extracurricular status as before.

Where are the lactation rooms located on each campus?

Lactation rooms are available on each campus. If the following lactation room locations are not convenient for you, students should contact the Title IX Office at monica.belknap@yc.edu or Disability Resources at norma.ortega@yc.edu.

Employees should contact human resources at askhr@yc.edu or email janet.nix@yc.edu.

Lactation Rooms by Campus:

Who are the lactation rooms for?

The lactation rooms are available to nursing women who are students, employees, or official visitors (i.e., for a meeting or conference, outside auditor who may be on site for several days). Users may access the lactation rooms for the purposes of expressing breast milk.

What if the lactation room needs cleaning, trash removed, etc?

If you are a student, please contact the office/employee who gave you access to the lactation room. If you are an employee, please contact Facilities at facilities@yc.edu or call 928-776-2180.

Sometimes I’m late to class because I need to pump. What should I do?

If you are comfortable doing so, please speak with your instructor. Let them know you may be late and why. If you are not comfortable doing this, please let the Title IX office know and we will reach out to your instructor.

What should I do if I have issues or questions?

  • Students or Visitors - Please contact the office who provided you with access to the lactation room.
  • Employees - Please contact Facilities, HR, or your supervisor (depending on the issue).

What should I do if I’ve spoken to the office who gave me access and I still can’t get my problem(s) resolved?

Contact the Title IX office at: