Pregnancy and Parenting Rights

is committed to supporting pregnant students and is also required to do so by law. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities. This includes discrimination based on a student’s current, potential, or past marital status or pregnancy and related conditions. The following guidelines are designed to prevent discrimination and ensure equal access to the University’s education program or activity for all Yeshiva students. 

Pregnancy and Related Conditions 

For students who are pregnant, Title IX requires schools to provide the option of reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and/or procedures. is required to engage in an interactive process with modifications provided on an individualized basis depending on the student’s needs. Modifications are not provided when the modification is a fundamental alteration, i.e., a change that is so significant that it alters the essential nature of the University’s education program or activity. 

Modifications

Modifications are determined on a case-by-case basis and will depend on the medical needs of the student and the academic requirements of the class or program. Some examples, provided by the U.S. Department of Education include the following:

• Changes in physical space (larger desk, footrest) 
• Elevator access 
• Breaks during class
• Intermittent excused absences
• Extension of time for coursework
• Rescheduling of tests and examinations

Steps for Providing Modifications

Students needing modifications are asked to coordinate with the . Students will be asked to provide the specific adjustment requested, a brief explanation of the medical condition and the dates or length of the need. The Title IX Office will work with the faculty to determine a path forward that allows the student to continue to participate in the educational program and/or complete the requisite coursework. 

Leave of Absence

Students may need to take a leave of absence. Upon the student’s return to school following a leave of absence, the student will be reinstated to the academic status and, as practicable, to the extracurricular status that the student held when the leave began. 

Lactation Spaces

Lactation Rooms Federal Law requires that students and employees have access to lactation spaces (other than a bathroom).  offers lactation rooms on the different campuses. Please refer to our Lactation Room Policy and Procedures for scheduling and other information.

Wilf

Belfer Hall, Room 218A
Furst Hall, Room 516
Zysman Hall, Room 220

Beren

245 Lex, Room 103
215 Lex, Room 402A

Brookdale/Cardozo

55 5th Ave, Room 539

Katz/Ferkauf

1165 Morris Park, 206A
1225 Morris Park, 5C-8A

For more information, see the

Parenting and Childcare 

Federal law prohibits discriminating against students that are parenting by adopting or applying any policy, practice, or procedure that treats students differently on the basis of sex, including on the basis of marital or parenting status. Federal law does not, however, require modifications or leave time for students that are parenting, or modifications or leave time to care for sick children or for baby bonding after birth. That said, any leave time that is allowed for one gender, must be allowed for the other, other than that which is medically necessary. 

Reporting Discrimination 

If students feel discriminated or harassed because of their pregnancy or parenting status, they may bring complaints to the Title IX Coordinator. Yeshiva is required to maintain a grievance procedure to address complaints of sex discrimination, including discrimination and harassment based on pregnancy or parenting status. Students may also file a complaint of discrimination directly with the 

Employees

For employees that are pregnant or parenting, has specific policies that apply. 

Pregnancy and Childbirth Policy -
Pregnancy and Childbirth Policy -

Title IX also protects employees from discrimination on the basis of pregnancy. Contact Human Resources for assistance. Renee Coker Senior Director for Talent Management & Equity Compliance Deputy Title IX Coordinator renee.coker@yu.edu 646-592-4336