Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including pregnancy, parenting, and all related conditions, including false pregnancy and loss of pregnancy. Under Title IX, pregnant and parenting students have the right to continue their education, and Sierra College is committed to the success of our pregnant and parenting students.
Did you know that the law prohibits schools that receive federal funds from discriminating against students because of pregnancy, childbirth, abortion, or recovery from these? Schools, like Sierra College, must ensure equal treatment. As a pregnant or parenting student, you have the right to an equal education. You have the right to participate and to have your pregnancy-related absences excused.
Sierra College is committed to the success of our working mothers and students, and as per California Law and Sierra College policies, lactation facilities are available to employees, students, and visitors. Lactation areas can be found at each of our locations. Click on the lactation icon on the map to find the exact location and contact information:
Harassment based on sex, including harassment because of pregnancy or related conditions, is prohibited. Comments that could constitute prohibited harassment include making sexual comments or jokes about pregnancy, calling a person sexually charged names, spreading rumors about sexual activity, and making sexual propositions or gestures, if the comments are sufficiently serious that it interferes with the ability to benefit from or participate in the school’s program.
Protections for Excused Absences and Medical Leave
Students have the right to continue participating in classes and course-related activities while pregnant.
Absences while pregnant or due to childbirth will be excused for as long as a doctor says it is necessary.
The student may return to the same academic and extracurricular status as before the medical leave began, which should include giving the student the opportunity to make up any work missed while they were out.
The student may submit work after a deadline because of their pregnancy or childbirth.
If a course grade is based in part on class participation or attendance and the student missed class because of their pregnancy or childbirth, they should be allowed to make up the participation or attendance credits they didn’t have the chance to earn.
For questions or concerns about pregnancy protections, or to file a complaint about pregnancy-related discrimination or harassment, contact:
Title IX requires that schools provide pregnant students with any special services they provide to students with temporary disabilities. If students with temporary disabilities get at-home tutoring to help them keep up with work they miss when absent, the school must provide students who miss class because of pregnancy or childbirth with the same benefit. Students may receive reasonable adjustments when necessary through pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery. Examples of accommodations could include, but are not limited to: extension on assignments, alternate assignments, additional breaks in class, classroom furniture and/or equipment, etc.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)/Title IX Employer
Sierra College is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination and the achievement of diversity and equity among its faculty, staff, and students. Persons with inquiries about the application of Title IX, Senate Bill 493, and/or EEO may contact the Director of Diversity, EEO and Title IX (Title IX Coordinator) at (916) 660-7006 or via email at EEOT9@sierracollege.edu.
