Texas State Press and Spanish senior Maritza Smith studies for an upcoming exam in Centennial Hall during class Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.
This semester marks the first full semester that these accommodations will be available, following the implementation last spring of a policy to accommodate pregnant and parenting students in compliance with the Texas Education Act.
“[Texas State] “Universities attract all types of students, and we recognize that not all students are entering traditional-age college for the first time,” said Senior Associate Dean of Students and Student Parent Liaison. said Laramie McWilliams. “We provide the infrastructure and resources to support their success.”
The 88th Texas Legislature amends the Texas Education Act to require Texas institutions of higher education to provide protections, accommodations, and resources to pregnant and parenting students starting September 1, 2023. Includes clauses. The provision also requires universities to establish a student parent liaison position.
“We're happy to be able to support you and say, 'We're here for you and we can work with you to ensure you move forward in your educational career,'” McWilliams said.
According to Texas policy, a student's parent/guardian's liaison responsibilities primarily consist of providing the student with “information regarding support services and other resources available to parenting students.”
Texas officially implemented the policy on April 5 after waiting for guidance from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
Prior to this new policy, pregnant and parenting students sought accommodations and assistance through the Compassion Advocacy Resources & Education (CARE) Center. As Senior Associate Dean of Students and Student Ombudsperson for the Dean of Students; McWilliams worked with pregnant students at the CARE Center for about two years before taking over as student parent liaison on Aug. 1.
Part of THECB's guidance allows pregnant or parenting students to take time off and return to class each semester without having to reapply, provided they are in good academic standing.
“Normally, when a student takes a long leave of absence, [they] You will need to reapply and will be charged an application fee or reapplication fee. For international students, it’s $75 or $90,” McWilliams said. “This is another barrier for student parents that this legislation removes.”
Texas policy is consistent with the Texas Education Act, which protects pregnant and parenting students from discrimination. This includes providing accommodations such as early registration and excused absences for missed assignments.
Maritza Smith, a fourth-year Communication and Spanish student, is a full-time student parent of five children, including her youngest, who is 5 weeks old. Smith said she always takes her youngest son to class.
“They are [Smith’s professors] They set up nursing rooms and break rooms, provided snacks and drinks, and some of the teachers held and carried my baby,” Smith said. . “I've been really supported.”
Amira Johnson, senior in digital media and innovation, is pregnant and the mother of a 10-month-old boy. Johnson works full time and is a part-time student. She gave birth in November 2023 while attending school and working full time.
“Last fall was the hardest semester for me because I had a new job and couldn't take maternity leave. Then going back to school with a newborn and still healing was just emotional. “I did,” Johnson said. “If we had known about accommodations, or if we had accommodations, it could have been better.”
Johnson doesn't know if she will need accommodations this semester since she only has two classes, but it will be a good safety net.
“I think some students don't understand what protections exist,” McCliams said. “Once students meet me, they may feel more confident in their ability to complete their degree.”
Since Title IX of the Education Act of 1972, educational institutions have been required to interpret the prohibition against “discrimination on the basis of sex” to include protections for pregnant and parenting students.
“I tell our teachers over and over again what our obligations are,” McWilliams said. “Previously, it was only specified in Title IX of the Education Reform Act of 1972; [university’s obligations] is codified in the Texas Education Act and the University's Statement of Policies and Procedures, it can be noted that student rights reside in three different places. ”
Smith and Johnson are grateful, but said there is more Texas can do for pregnant and parenting students. For example, more readily available childcare options or discounted childcare options.
“It's important to be aware, because there are people like me who didn't know this, and they should,” Johnson said. “It could be part of the syllabus accommodations, or universities could get the information out in more bulletin boards and brochures.”
