Lamar University policy prohibits the discrimination of students who are pregnant and/or parenting in accordance with Texas Education Code, Section 51.982 and other applicable policy and laws. Any student may report discrimination on the basis of pregnancy or parenting status to the Title IX website via reporting form, email at titleix@lamar.edu or by calling 409-880-8163.

Pregnant and parenting students are eligible to receive support and resources from the Title IX Office. Support and resources may include supportive measures, medically necessary periods of leave, and leaves of absence. For more information about support and resources contact the Title IX Coordinator at lutitleix@lamar.edu

Protections for Pregnant and Parenting Students

Lamar University and its faculty and staff may not require a pregnant or parenting student, solely because of the student's status as a pregnant or parenting student or due to issues related to the student’s pregnancy or parenting, to:

• take a leave of absence or withdraw from the student's degree or certificate program;
• limit the student’s studies;
• participate in an alternative program;
• change the student’s major, degree, or certificate program; or
• refrain from joining or cease participating in any course, activity, or program at the institution.

Accommodations for Pregnant Students

The Title IX Office provides supportive measures on an individualized basis depending on the student’s needs resulting from pregnancy or parenting. The Title IX Office provides reasonable supportive measures when necessary to prevent discrimination and ensure equal access to education unless the modification would fundamentally alter the education program or activity.

• excuse the student’s absence;
• allow the student to make up missed assignments or assessments;
• allow the student additional time to complete assignments in the same manner as the institution allows for a student with a temporary medical condition; and
• provide the student with access to instructional materials and video recordings of lectures for classes for which the student has an excused absence under this section to the same extent that instructional materials and video recordings of lectures are made available to any other student with an excused absence.

Medically Necessary Periods of Leave of Absence

The Title IX Office facilitates leaves of absence, on a voluntary basis, for pregnant and parenting students. A pregnant or parenting student may undertake a leave of absence and, if in good academic standing at the start of the leave of absence, return to the student's degree or certificate program in good academic standing without being required to reapply for admission.

Medically necessary leave may be provided due to the following circumstances:

• Pregnancy-related conditions that require leave or academic modifications.
• Medical recovery in the immediate postpartum period
• Child caretaking and parenting responsibilities in the immediate postpartum period

Parenting Student Liaison

Lamar University’s liaison officer for parenting students provides information regarding support services and other resources available to parenting students. Students seeking such information or requesting a leave of absence related to parenting should contact the parenting student liaison:

Karlee Ogden
Associate Director, Financial Aid Operations
409-880-8353
kwilkes@lamar.edu

Additional Resources

Lactation/Quiet Room Location: First floor of the Setzer Student Center, Room 173