BILL NUMBER: S5444A
SPONSOR: PERSAUD
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to protecting rights of
pregnant students, parenting students, and students with pregnancy-re-
lated conditions in schools and education
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill establishes protections for pregnant students, parenting
students, and students with pregnancy related conditions in New York's
educational institutions, ensuring that they are not discriminated
against, excluded from academic programs, or denied reasonable accommo-
dations due to pregnancy or parenting status.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Names the act as the "Protecting Rights of Pregnant Students,
Parenting Students, and Students with Pregnancy Related Conditions in
Schools and Education Act."
Section 2: Amends Title 7 of the education law by adding a new Article
129-C.
Section 3 & 4: Directs the State University of New York (SUNY) Board of
Trustees and community college boards to adopt rules establishing mini-
mum leave-of-absence periods for pregnant and parenting students.
Section 5: Sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Pregnant students, parenting students, and students with pregnancy-re-
lated conditions face significant barriers in completing their educa-
tion, including academic discrimination, lack of accommodation, and
insufficient institutional support. Federal Title IX regulations prohib-
it discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, but enforcement and insti-
tutional policies often fall short, leaving students vulnerable to
academic penalties, exclusion, and lack of essential resources.
Nationally, one in five college students is a parent, and many face
financial and logistical challenges balancing their education with care-
giving responsibilities. Studies show that student parents graduate at
lower rates than their peers, often due to inflexible academic policies
and a lack of institutional support. By requiring accommodation such as
excused absences, academic flexibility, and access to essential
resources, this bill ensures that pregnant and parenting students have
equal opportunities to succeed.
New York must lead in protecting students' rights by codifying these
protections into state law, ensuring that all students can pursue higher
education without discrimination. Similar policies have been enacted in
other states, such as California and Illinois, with positive outcomes
for student retention and success.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TED
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
180 days after becoming law

Statutes affected:
S5444: 355 education law, 6306 education law
S5444A: 355 education law, 6306 education law