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 reasonable accommodations be provided to parenting or pregnant students, which include health and safety considerations, the ability to make up missed tests and assignments, and the option to take a leave of absence for caregiving obligations. Additionally, institutions are required 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 a leave of absence due to parenting, ensuring they can return to their programs in good academic standing without needing to reapply for admission. It specifies that students who take a leave for parenting reasons are entitled to the same return policies as those who take leave for pregnancy or childbirth. The act is set to take effect immediately and will apply to the first full academic year following its enactment, thereby reinforcing the commitment to support students balancing education and parenting responsibilities.

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