Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits gender-based discrimination in educational programs which receive federal financial assistance. This prohibition includes discrimination against pregnant and parenting students, staff and faculty [1].
Johns Hopkins University is committed to creating a welcoming, accessible and inclusive environment for pregnant and parenting students and employees. Students and employees can request adjustments based on general pregnancy needs as well as accommodations based on pregnancy-related medical/health conditions [2].
Disability Accommodations for Pregnancy-Related Medical/Health Conditions
Students requesting an accommodation for a pregnancy-related medical/health condition should contact the office or individual who coordinates disability accommodations for one’s school or program.
Employees requesting an accommodation based on a pregnancy-related complication should contact the Office of Institutional Equity and/or submit a Faculty and Staff Workplace Accommodation Request Form.
Submitting a pregnancy adjustment request
- Recognizing a Pregnancy Adjustment Request
A pregnant student can request reasonable adjustments during and related to their pregnancy that enable the student to continue participation in educational programs and activities. A pregnant employee can request reasonable adjustments during and related to their pregnancy that enable the employee to continue participation in their work environment. It is important for student affairs representatives, faculty, human resources, and supervisors to recognize such requests and refer the student or employee to OIE initiate the interactive process. The interactive process typically starts when a student or employee seeking a pregnancy adjustment submits a Student Pregnancy Adjustment Form or an Employee Pregnancy Adjustment Form . Whenever possible, such requests should be submitted no less than 30 days before a student’s anticipated due date. - Exploring Pregnancy Adjustment Options
OIE will consider pregnancy adjustment requests on a case‐by‐case basis. Some examples include:
- Breaks during class, as needed;
- Rescheduling tests or exams;
- Allowing flexibility with group projects;
- Excusing absences due to pregnancy, childbirth or related circumstances;
- Developing a learning plan for assignments missed due to pregnancy or related circumstances; and.
- Facilitating alternative work assignments due to pregnancy or related circumstances.
OIE will endeavor to protect the requesting student or employee’s privacy in evaluating and processing the accommodation to the greatest extent possible. However, following receipt of the request, OIE generally will speak with a student’s faculty and/or student affairs representative, or an employee’s supervisor and/or department in order to further evaluate and/or implement the pregnancy adjustment. The University may suggest an alternative adjustment it deems reasonable to accommodate a request. If there is more than one option, the University will balance a student or employee’s expressed preference with operational and/or academic considerations.
- Implementing the Pregnancy Adjustment
To communicate the final adjustment, OIE will issue a written communication to the employee or student, and copy those relevant individuals (i.e. student affairs representatives, faculty, managers, and/or supervisors) who participated in the interactive process. All such individuals are welcome to contact OIE with any questions. - Monitoring the Pregnancy Adjustment
OIE recognizes that pregnancy adjustments may need to be modified over time. Students and employees should contact OIE if their needs or requests change, or if they anticipate changes, and OIE will consider additional adjustments consistent with the process above.
[1] Faculty/staff are hereafter referred to as “employee(s).”
[2] If a student seeks both pregnancy adjustments and pregnancy accommodations, OIE will coordinate with the appropriate disability services contacts.