Abstract: Mitchell Hamline School of Law prohibits discrimination based on parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation; medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation; or recovery from pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, or related medical conditions in all its educational programs and activities. This Policy outlines the Law School’s commitment to comply with applicable federal and state laws, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Minnesota Protections for Pregnant and Parenting Students Law, and any other applicable law. The policy also references resources available to pregnant and parenting students.
Applies to: Students
Policy Holder: Title IX Coordinator
Responsible Office: Title IX Coordinator, Dean of Students
Contact Information: Christine Szaj, Title IX Coordinator; Vice President for Institutional Management; Lynn LeMoine, Deputy Title IX Coordinator; Dean of Students
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Related Policies:
Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy, and Sex Discrimination and Non-Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy, Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment Policy
1. Policy Statement
Mitchell Hamline School of Law prohibits discrimination based on parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation; medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation; or recovery from pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, or related medical conditions in all its educational programs and activities.
2. Scope and Applicability
This Policy generally applies to applicants for admission (“applicants”) and admitted students (“students”) at the Law School. This Policy applies to pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation; medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation; and recovery from pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, or related medical conditions (collectively, “Pregnancy or Related Conditions”).
3. Definitions
- Pregnancy or Related Condition: Pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation; medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation; or recovery from pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, or related medical conditions.
- Pregnant Student: A student who has, or is recovering from, a pregnancy or related condition.
- Student: A person who is currently enrolled at the Law School, is accepted for admission or readmission to the Law School, has been enrolled at the Law School in a prior term and is eligible to continue enrollment in the term that immediately follows, or is attending an educational program sponsored by the Law School while that person is on campus.
- Supportive Measures: Individualized support that is available to pregnant and parenting students through the Title IX Office or other offices.
4. Prohibited Conduct
- The Law School may not require a pregnant or parenting student, solely because of the student’s status as a pregnant or parenting student or due to issues related to the student’s pregnant or parenting status, to:
- Take a leave of absence or withdraw from the student’s degree or certificate program;
- Limit the student’s studies;
- Participate in an alternative program; or
- Refrain from joining or cease participating in any course, activity, or program at the institution
- Complaints regarding alleged violations of this policy should be reported in accordance with the process described in the Law School’s Sex Discrimination and Non-Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy.
5. Resources and Supportive Measures for Pregnant and Parenting Students
- In accordance with applicable law, the Law School engages in an interactive process with pregnant and parenting students to identify reasonable modifications that are appropriate for each person’s circumstances. Any modifications are made on a case-by-case basis depending on the needs of the individual and may include (but are not limited to) exam or assignment variances, assistance with course load and scheduling, classroom modifications, remote access, and/or support for absences related to pregnancy or childbirth. All requests for supportive measures from pregnant and parenting students will be considered consistent with the law school’s attendance policy and technical standards.
- Students can also visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Know Your Rights – Title IX guide to learn more.
- Please contact the Dean of Students and Deputy Title IX Coordinator, at [email protected] if you would like to discuss pregnancy-related modifications, or to learn more about other supports available to all students who are current or expectant parents. You can reach out at any time during your/your partner’s pregnancy, but it is recommended to do so as early as you feel is appropriate.
6. Additional Resources
- Lactation Rooms Mitchell Hamline supports lactating parents who return to school/work and continue to breastfeed their child by maintaining private spaces where lactating parents can feed their child or express milk. Lactating parents, including faculty, staff, students, and guests, can use these lactation rooms.
Mitchell Hamline School of Law has two dedicated lactation rooms. The first is in room 157 on the first floor. The second is in room 202 on the second floor. Both rooms may be locked for privacy and are equipped with a comfortable chair, an electrical outlet, and a table or counter, as well as sanitary wipes, and a refrigerator.
Access to the lactation rooms is open on a first-come, first-served basis. If any scheduling conflicts arise, please contact Lynn LeMoine, Dean of Students and Deputy Title IX Coordinator, at [email protected]. - Parenting and Caregiver Support Students who are parents or caregivers at Mitchell Hamline School of Law should feel free to utilize law school resources to handle issues that may arise. All requests for supportive measures from pregnant and parenting students will be considered consistent with the law school’s attendance policy and technical standards.
- Short-Term Absences For short-term absences from classes due to unforeseen extraordinary circumstances, such as a child becoming ill or childcare falling through, students should follow the process in their course syllabus as they would for any other short-term absence such as for appointments or illness. Guidance will vary depending on the course. Students may also contact their academic advisor for assistance with short-term absences or extensions.
- Long-Term Absences For more long-term issues, such as a student’s or child’s or ongoing health issue related to which requires a student to miss an extensive amount of class time or deliverables, the student should reach out to the Dean of Students ([email protected]) to determine the best course of action.
- Course Scheduling For assistance with scheduling required courses and planning your academic progress as a parenting student, please contact Academic Affairs at [email protected].
- Community Support Parents and Caregivers Attending Law School (PALS) is a student organization designed to support parents, future parents, and caregivers navigating the challenging, yet rewarding, journey of law school. Welcoming all types of families, PALS offers peer support, resources, and information to help members balance their academic and caregiving duties. For more information on how to get involved, contact Student Services at [email protected]