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- https://sou.edu/equity-grievance/pregnant-and-parenting/
- https://sou.edu/equity-grievance/pregnant-and-parenting/

Pregnant and Parenting at Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University is committed to creating and maintaining a community where all individuals enjoy freedom from discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of sex, as mandated by federal laws such as Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. Sex discrimination, which can include discrimination based on pregnancy, marital status, or parental status, is prohibited by law in admissions, educational programs and activities, hiring, leave policies, employment policies, and health coverage.
Adjustment and Assistance
Individuals experiencing pregnancy or related conditions have equal access to education, employment, and other University programs and activities.
If you are experiencing pregnancy or a related condition and are looking for resources, adjustments, or support, please complete this form and the Equity Grievance Office will contact you.
Adjustments and assistance can include, but are not limited to:
- Modifications to the physical environment
- Mobility assistance
- Breaks during class/workday, as needed
- Excusing medically necessary absences
- Extended deadlines and/or allowing for rescheduling exams
- Allowing breastfeeding parents reasonable time and space to pump break milk in a location that is private, clean, and reasonably accessible
The specific assistance an individual will be granted are determined on a case-by-case basis after reviewing the needs of the SOU community member and relevant academic and/or work requirements.
Student Rights
- You have equal access to classes and activities.
- Your school/department cannot make you take time off if you don’t want to. However, they must provide you with withdrawal/re-enrollment information should you choose to explore that option.
- You cannot be excluded from a special program because you are pregnant or experiencing a related condition.
- Your school/department cannot make you change your major or degree program because you are pregnant or experiencing a related condition. They also cannot force you to attend an alternate program, like an evening program.
- You can take part in activities for as long as you want. Your school/department cannot stop you from joining clubs, going to events, or participating in research unless the same rules apply for all students who have a temporary medical condition.
- Any lactating student has the right to a clean and private lactation space on campus.
For concerns involving students, the Equity Grievance Office will respond and maintain all appropriate documentation related to requests for Pregnant and Parenting students. This may include providing modifications for pregnant students with conditions that relate to pregnancy even if the student is not experiencing a pregnancy-related disability. Any concerns or requests pertaining to students shall be reported to the Director of Equity Grievance/Title IX Coordinator:
Sarah Olejniczak, Ph.D.
Interim Director of Equity Grievance/Title IX Coordinator
olejniczaks@sou.edu
Employees and Applicants
The university may require that an employee or applicant requesting accommodation provide documentation from an appropriate health care or rehabilitation professional about the need for a requested accommodation or the need to extend an existing accommodation.
The university will process requests for reasonable accommodations and provide reasonable accommodations in a prompt, fair, and efficient manner. The university will not tolerate any form of discrimination or retaliation against applicants or employees on the basis of pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions.
For concerns involving employees or applicants to the university, the Associate Director of HR & Campus Accessibility Coordinator will respond and maintain all appropriate documentation related to requests and accommodations. This may include providing accommodations for pregnant employees, applicants, or employees with conditions related to pregnancy, even if the employee is not experiencing a pregnancy-related disability. An employee may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting the University Human Resources office at HRS@sou.edu.
An applicant for employment may request a reasonable accommodation orally or in writing from the university employee with whom the applicant has been in contact with regarding the application process or through the University Human Resources at HRS@sou.edu.
Lactation Resources
For students, check this map for more locations.
For employees, visit the SOU Human Resources page for more information.
Questions
Questions regarding support for pregnant and parenting individuals at Southern Oregon University can be directed to equitygrievance@sou.edu.