Pregnancy & Pregnancy-Related Conditions Policy

1. Introduction

Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) is committed to creating and maintaining a community where all individuals enjoy freedom from discrimination, including on the basis of sex, as mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This policy ensures the protection and equal treatment of pregnant persons, individuals with pregnancy-related conditions, and new parents, fostering an environment of support and understanding.

2. Non-Discrimination and Reasonable Accommodations and/or Adjustments

Students and employees affected by pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions are entitled to the following protections:

1. Equal Access to Education: EMU and its faculty, staff, and employees will not require a student to limit their studies due to pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions. Students will be allowed to continue their education without any disruption due to these conditions.

2. Comparable Benefits and Services: The benefits and services provided to students affected by pregnancy shall be no less than those provided to students with temporary medical conditions. This includes access to the same support services and adjustments as those provided to any student with a temporary disability.

3. Students with pregnancy-related disabilities, like any other student with a disability, are entitled to reasonable accommodation so they will not be disadvantaged in their courses of study or research, and may seek accommodations from the Office of Academic Access.

4. Reasonable Accommodations for Students: Students with pregnancy-related disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations to ensure they are not disadvantaged in their courses of study or research. Accommodations can be requested through the Office of Academic Access.

3. Examples of Reasonable Accommodations or Adjustments for Students

• Adjustments requested by the student to protect their health and safety, such as maintaining a safe distance from hazardous substances.

• Modifications to the physical environment, such as providing accessible seating.

• Extending deadlines and/or allowing makeup tests or assignments missed due to pregnancy-related absences.

• Excusing medically necessary absences.

• Granting leave as required.

4. Examples of Reasonable Accommodations or Adjustments for Employees

Reasonable accommodations or adjustments for employees involve changes to the work environment or the way things are usually done at work, which may include:

• The ability to sit or drink water.

• Closer parking.

• Flexible work hours.

• Appropriately sized uniforms and safety apparel.

• Additional break time to use the bathroom, eat, and rest.

• Leave or time off to recover from childbirth

• Excuses from strenuous activities and/or activities that involve exposure to compounds not safe for pregnancy.

Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations unless they would cause an “undue hardship” on the employer’s operations. An “undue hardship” is defined as significant difficulty or expense for the employer.

5. Lactation Accommodations: Lactating students and employees are entitled to reasonable break time and access to a clean, private lactation space. EMU provides a designated lactation room adjacent to the women’s restroom on the 3rd floor of the Seminary building. This space is clean, private, and not located in a bathroom.

6. Reporting and Investigation

Any reports of alleged discrimination on the basis of pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions should be promptly reported to EMU's Title IX Coordinator. Formal complaints can be filed directly with the Title IX office, and all cases will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and respect for the individuals involved.

7. Employee Expectations

Any employee who learns that a student may be experiencing a pregnancy and/or related condition is required to provide that student with information about the Title IX Coordinator and the type of assistance that the Coordinator can offer. This information should include:

1. Contact information for the Title IX Coordinator.

2. The student’s right to reasonable adjustments related to pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions.

3. The Title IX Coordinator’s ability to coordinate specific actions to prevent sex discrimination and ensure the student’s equal access to EMU’s educational programs and activities.

The University has designated specific positions to support, manage, and respond to pregnancy-related medical conditions:

• For Students: Sarah Olejniczak, Title IX Coordinator, sarah.olejniczak@emu.edu or TitleIXcoordinator@emu.edu and Venissa White, Coordinator for Campus Response, venissa.white@emu.edu or TitleIXcoordinator@emu.edu

• For Employees: Sarah Olejniczak, Title IX Coordinator, sarah.olejniczak@emu.edu or TitleIXcoordinator@emu.edu, or Hr.help@emu.edu

8. Parenting Status

EMU prohibits treating individuals differently based on their sex, including parental status. However, a parenting student does not receive formal adjustments solely based on their parenting status. Adjustments are provided based on pregnancy-related conditions as outlined above.

9. Scope and Definitions

This policy applies to all aspects of EMU’s education programs and activities. Definitions relevant to this policy include:

• Pregnancy and Related Conditions: Includes pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, conditions arising in connection with pregnancy, and recovery from these conditions.

• Pregnancy Discrimination: Treating a student or employee affected by pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition less favorably than others and failing to provide legally mandated leave or accommodations.

• Reasonable Adjustments: Changes in the academic or work environment that enable pregnant students or employees to continue their studies or work without disadvantage.

• Undue Hardship: Significant difficulty or expense for the employer in providing reasonable accommodations.

10. Right to Privacy

Information related to a student's or employee's pregnancy or related conditions will be shared only on a need-to-know basis to ensure the necessary accommodations are provided. Faculty and staff will treat all information associated with accommodation requests as private and confidential.

11. Conclusion
    EMU is dedicated to supporting all students and employees, ensuring that pregnant persons, those with pregnancy-related conditions, and new parents receive fair and equitable treatment. This policy underscores our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment.