A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges.(Formerly SF 58.)
Impact
The bill mandates institutions to provide reasonable accommodations such as allowing additional time on exams and assignments, excusing medically necessary absences, and permitting leaves of absence of up to 12 months related to pregnancy and childbirth. Additionally, it ensures that students can return to their programs with the same academic standing as before their absence. This legal framework is designed to modernize the academic support system for expectant and new mothers in educational settings and aligns with protections under the federal Higher Education Act of 1965.
Summary
Senate File 252 aims to establish legal protections and reasonable accommodations for students who are pregnant or have recently given birth at state institutions of higher education and community colleges in Iowa. The bill prohibits these institutions from requiring students to withdraw from their studies or limit their participation in academic activities solely due to pregnancy. This approach acknowledges the challenges faced by pregnant students and promotes their completion of academic programs without undue discrimination or hurdles.
Contention
Opponents of the bill may raise concerns about the financial and administrative burdens it could impose on educational institutions, particularly regarding the implementation of supportive programs and adaptation of existing policies. However, supporters argue that these accommodations are necessary to foster an inclusive environment that acknowledges the unique needs of pregnant students and reduces barriers to educational attainment. The bill's provisions for complaint resolution through the attorney general's office also suggest an emphasis on accountability and enforcement of these protections.
Similar To
A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges.(See SF 252.)
A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges.(See SF 288.)
A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges.
A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges. (Formerly SF 12.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.
A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to career academies, the collective statewide articulation agreement between community colleges and the state board of regents, the district-to-community college sharing or concurrent enrollment program, and individual career and academic plans, and by requiring the state board of regents to submit a report related to establishing a performance-based funding model for the institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents. (Formerly HSB 572.)
A bill for an act requiring annual reports on and the prohibition of antisemitism in community colleges, regents institutions, and public school districts.(Formerly SSB 3095.)
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Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.
Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.
Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.
Relating to the issuance of a diploma to a student graduating from a public institution of higher education that has undergone a merger, acquisition, or name change.