Listen to the #TruthTelling!

We've gathered stories of Title IX rights infringement from LGBTQQIA+ individuals, pregrant and parenting youth, and survivors of sexual violence. Support ICAH's proposed model policy by adding your name to the list of those who believe pregnant and parenting young people should receive the resources and supports necessary to succeed academically.
Note: This campaign is not currently active.

#TitleIX #YouthVoice #TruthTelling

Based on the experience and recommendations of PPY and adult professionals from school, family, and healthcare systems, who co-wrote the policy, ICAH's proposed Model District Title IX Policy outlines support above what is included in federal law and includes the following: 

  • Gender inclusive language to support students of any gender and sexual identity who are pregnant and parenting. Similarly, we use "chestfeeding/breastfeeding" language to acknowledge all of the diverse gender identities and bodies of PPY.

  • Recommends all teachers and staff are required to be informed about the Title IX rights of PPY. We hope this helps the whole school community has the knowledge and resources to ensure PPY receive the education they deserve.

  • Highlights the need for PPY to use excused absences when their child is sick, in addition to upholding HB2369, the 2018 law that mandates that schools provide a private space other than a bathroom for PPY to pump breast milk while at school.

  • Incorporates "partner(s)" as a term for this document. We envision that this policy will apply to the variety of families that are a supportive resource to PPY as well as their partner(s). We suggest that partner(s) of PPY who are also students should also receive the same rights and privileges as PPY, especially if they serve as caretakers.

  • Acknowledges that PPY students who have experienced sexual, dating, domestic or intimate partner violence or trauma and choose to continue their education as a PPY are additionally protected and entitled to an equitable education under Title IX.

  • Highlights PPY who have different learning needs and differences in ability.

  • Proposes that each school assign the role of pregnant and parenting student liaison (PPSL) to a school staff person, who will embody and uphold social justice and social work values to best support PPY. The PPSL would also be responsible for managing a PPY Student Support Team, which will serve to best advocate for the needs of the PPY student.

About Title IX

The US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released recommendations for school districts to better support pregnant and parenting students under Title IX. ICAH's CHAT youth and adult accomplices are committed to ensuring students, teachers, administrators, and all others are aware of the law and its principles.

TITLE IX PROVIDES that...

  • No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance

  • A school district must publish a notice that it does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs or activities

  • A school district must designate at least one employee to coordinate its efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under the law

REGARDING PREGNANT AND PARENTING STUDENTS, TITLE IX PROHIBITS...

  • Discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions

  • A school from applying any rule related to a students’ parental, family, or marital status that treats students differently based on their sex

  • Schools from excluding a pregnant student from participating in any part of an educational program

Additionally...

  • A school may offer separate programs or schools for a pregnant student, but participation in those programs or schools must be completely voluntary. If a school offers a voluntary program, that program must provide academic, extracurricular, and enrichment opportunities comparable to those provided to the students in the regular school program

  • A school must provide the same special services to a pregnant student that it provides to the students with temporary medical conditions

  • Schools cannot require a pregnant student to produce a doctor’s note in order to stay in school to participate in activities unless the same requirement to obtain a doctor’s note applies to all students being treated by a doctor

  • A school must excuse a student’s absences due to pregnancy or related conditions, including recovery from childbirth, for as long as the student’s doctor deems the absences to be medically necessary

  • Schools must ensure that the policies and practices of individual teachers do not discriminate against pregnant students