V Pregnancy-Based Discrimination

Olin College does not discriminate in its education program or activity against any applicant for admission, student, applicant for employment, or employee on the basis of current, potential, or past pregnancy or related conditions as mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). The College prohibits members of the Olin College community from adopting or implementing any policy, practice, or procedure which treats an applicant for admission, student, applicant for employment, or employee differently on the basis of current, potential, or past parental, family, or marital status. This policy and its pregnancy-related protections apply to all pregnant persons, regardless of gender identity or expression.

Pregnancy-Related Definitions

Familial Status. The configuration of one’s family or one’s role in a family.
Marital Status. The state of being married or unmarried.
Parental Status. The status of a person who, with respect to another person who is under the age of 18, is a biological, adoptive, foster, or stepparent; a legal custodian or guardian; in loco parentis with respect to such a person; or actively seeking legal custody, guardianship, visitation, or adoption of such a person.
Pregnancy and Related Conditions. The full spectrum of processes and events connected with pregnancy, including pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation; related medical conditions; and recovery therefrom.
Reasonable Modifications. Individualized modifications to the College’s policies, practices, or procedures that do not fundamentally alter the College’s education program or activity.

Information Sharing Requirements

Any Olin College employee who becomes aware of a student’s pregnancy or related condition is required to provide the student with the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information and communicate that the Title IX Coordinator can help take specific actions to prevent discrimination and ensure equal access to the Olin College’s education program and activity. If the employee has a reasonable belief that the Title IX Coordinator is already aware of the pregnancy or related condition, the employee is not required to provide the student with the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information.

Upon notification of a student’s pregnancy or related condition, the Title IX Coordinator will contact the student and inform the student of Olin College’s obligations to:

Prohibit sex discrimination.
Provide reasonable modifications.
Allow access, on a voluntary basis, to any separate and comparable portion of the institution’s education program or activity.
Allow a voluntary leave of absence.
Ensure lactation space availability.
Maintain a Resolution Process for alleged discrimination.
Treat pregnancy as comparable to other temporary medical conditions for medical benefit, service, plan, or policy purposes.

The Title IX Coordinator will also notify the student of the process to file a complaint for alleged discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, as applicable.

Reasonable Modifications for Students

Students who are pregnant or are experiencing related conditions are entitled to Reasonable Modifications to prevent sex discrimination and ensure equal access to the Olin College’s education program and activity. Any student seeking Reasonable Modifications must contact the Title IX Coordinator to discuss appropriate and available Reasonable Modifications based on their individual needs. Students are encouraged to request Reasonable Modifications as promptly as possible, although retroactive modifications may be available in some circumstances. Reasonable Modifications are voluntary, and a student can accept or decline the offered Reasonable Modifications. Not all Reasonable Modifications are appropriate for all contexts.

Reasonable Modifications may include:

Breaks during class to express breast milk, breastfeed/chestfeed, or attend to health needs associated with pregnancy or related conditions, including eating, drinking, or using the restroom
Intermittent absences to attend medical appointments
Access to online or homebound education
Changes in schedule or course sequence
Time extensions for coursework and rescheduling of tests and examinations
Allowing a student to sit or stand, or carry or keep water nearby
Counseling
Changes in physical space or supplies (for example, access to a larger desk or a footrest)
Elevator access
A larger uniform or other required clothing or equipment
Other changes to policies, practices, or procedures determined by the Title IX Coordinator

In situations involving teamwork, use of labs and shops, student employment, and other participatory activities, the institution will work with the student to devise an alternative path to completion, if necessary and possible. Information about pregnant students’ requests for modifications will be shared with faculty and staff only to the extent necessary to provide the Reasonable Modification. Students are welcome to work with their faculty members, supervisors, and/or the Office of Student Affairs and Resources to devise a plan for how to best address the conditions as pregnancy progresses, anticipate the need for leaves, minimize the academic impact of their absence, and get back on track as efficiently and comfortably as possible. The Title IX Coordinator will assist with plan development and implementation as needed.

Students experiencing pregnancy-related conditions that manifest as a temporary disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are eligible for reasonable accommodations just like any other student with a temporary disability. Students can reach out to the Disability Services Office directly. Additionally, the Title IX Coordinator will consult with the Disability Services Office to ensure the student receives reasonable accommodation for their disability as required by law.

Supporting documentation for Reasonable Modifications will only be required when it is necessary and reasonable under the circumstances to determine which Reasonable Modifications to offer to determine other specific actions to take to ensure equal access.