The "Student-Parent Protection Act" aims to enhance the rights and opportunities for parenting students enrolled in institutions of higher education in New Jersey. The bill amends existing law to prohibit institutions from requiring students to take a leave of absence or withdraw from their programs solely due to parenting, pregnancy, or pregnancy-related issues. It mandates that institutions provide reasonable accommodations for parenting or pregnant students, which include health and safety considerations, the ability to make up missed tests and assignments, and excusing absences for medical necessities and urgent caregiving obligations. Additionally, the bill requires institutions to develop and adopt a written policy addressing parenting and pregnancy discrimination, which must be made accessible to faculty, staff, and students.

Furthermore, the bill expands protections for students taking leaves of absence due to parenting, ensuring that they can return to their programs in good academic standing without needing to reapply for admission. It defines a parenting student as one who is a parent or legal guardian of a child under 18 years of age. The legislation emphasizes the importance of equal treatment for all students, regardless of their parenting status, and aims to create a supportive educational environment for those balancing academic responsibilities with parenting duties.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:3B-74, 18A:3B-76