Woman Claims College Discriminated Against Her Due to Her Pregnancy

The National Women’s Law Center in Washington has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education on behalf of a women student at Logan College of Chiropractic in Chesterfield, Missouri. The woman claims that the college discriminated against her by not excusing her for pregnancy-related absences or allowing her to make up work that she had missed due to her pregnancy.

The woman underwent a Caesarean section this past spring which resulted in her missing classes and assignments. The woman says that she told officials of her difficulties but they did not allow her the opportunity to reschedule work, resulting in two failing grades.

Through a statement issued by the National Women’s Law Center, the student said, “My academic future has suddenly been threatened and since I have a family to support, there’s a lot at stake.”

The complaint asks the Education Department to remove the two failing grades from the student’s record, allow her to make up missed assignments, and to require the college to train faculty and staff on dealing with pregnant students.

Update: In December 2013, the college agreed to rescind the two failing grades and to amend its policies regarding absences due to medical needs during pregnancy.