MWSU Pregnant and Parenting Students Accommodation Policy Statement
Missouri Western State 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 Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972. Sex discrimination, which can include discrimination based on pregnancy, marital status, or parental status, is prohibited and illegal in admissions, educational programs and activities. Missouri Western State University hereby establishes a policy and procedures for ensuring the protection and equal treatment of pregnant persons, individuals with pregnancy-related conditions, and new parents.

MWSU Pregnant and Parenting Student Policy

Lactation Spaces
Door entrance to the Lactation Room Lactation room in the Looney Complex
Second floor Looney Complex in the hallway near the west doors

Door entrance to the Lactation Room Lactation room in the Hearnes Library
Third floor of Hearnes Library by the elevator

Other space during office hours:
Esry Student Health Center in Blum Student Union
Department of Philosophy and Religion (Contact Noel Cross for availability (816) 271-5686, cross@missouriwestern.edu)

Information and Resources for Pregnant and Parenting Students
Title IX provides for equal educational opportunities for pregnant and parenting students. It prohibits educational institutions from discriminating against pregnant students based upon their marital status and cannot discriminate against a student because of childbirth, false pregnancy, or recovery from related conditions.

A pregnant student should be granted a leave of absence for as long as it is deemed medically necessary for her to be absent, at the conclusion of her leave, she must be allowed to resume the status she held when the leave began.

For further guidance, see “Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnant and Parenting Students” brochure. Although this resource focuses on secondary schools, the legal principles apply to all recipients of federal financial assistance, including postsecondary institutions.

Best Practices for Supporting Pregnant Students – For Faculty Members
Faculty Best Practices for Supporting Pregnant Students
, adapted from www.thepregnantscholar.org –The Center for WorkLife Law, UC Hastings College of Law

Pregnant Student Rights – For Students 
Rights for Pregnant Students, Under Title IX and the Missouri Western Sexual Misconduct Policy including access to a clean and secure, designated lactation space.

If you have any questions regarding your rights as a pregnant or parenting student, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at (816) 271-4557.