Title IX Policy (Pregnant and Parenting Students)
Pregnancy alone does not qualify as a disability under federal ADA law.
However, medically necessary pregnancy-related absences or leave from school are protected under Title IX.
It is the responsibility of the student to contact the disability office and provide the necessary pregnancy-related medical documentation for absences or excused leave.
- Title IX rights also apply to parenting students, defined as those who are parents or legal guardians of children under 18. To request accommodations related to Title IX Pregnancy or Parenting Students, please reach out to the Disability Support Services Office at 254-526-1195.
Medical Documentation Requirements
- Must be on an official letterhead with the signature and credentials of the medical provider. (Provide the medical documentation to the disability office as soon as possible and before the end of the semester or term).
- Clearly specify the dates of pregnancy-related absence(s) as deemed medically necessary for prenatal care, post-childbirth recovery or delivery, etc.' by medical provider.
- State when the student can return to school per the student's medical provider.
- For parenting students: the medical documentation must indicate the need for absence to care for their child and how long the care is expected to last.
- Students are responsible for contacting their course instructors to discuss all make up assignments and tests after returning to school.
Please email the medical documentation to the Director of the Disability Support Services, Dr. Christy Shank at christy.shank@ctcd.edu or fax to DSS office at 254-526-1700. If you need to bring the medical documentation in person, please contact the DSS office at 254-526-1195.
Students may file a grievance with the Title IX Coordinator, Larry Murphy at larry.murphy@ctcd.edu or call 254-501-3028.
Complaints should be filed within 10 days of the perceived violation to ensure a timely investigation of the grievance.
For more information on Title IX pregnancy laws, please visit the following link: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/dcl-know-rights-201306-title-ix.html