Request a Pregnancy and Parenting Accommodation
Norfolk State University is deeply committed to supporting the academic and workplace excellence and personal success of all Spartans. In strict compliance with federal regulations: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), and the PUMP Act, the university prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sex, which explicitly encompasses pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, lactation, or recovery from any of these conditions, as well as parental or marital status.
The Office for Access and Equal Opportunity (AEO) ensures that employees and students are never penalized for expanding their families. Our department actively interfaces with academic and administrative divisions to implement reasonable accommodations, assist with necessary medical leave, and eliminate educational and employment barriers for parents.
As a pregnant or parenting student, employee, or applicant at Norfolk State University, you have federal and institutional guarantees designed to safeguard your enrollment and academic standing: AEO is here to assist you by contacting administrators, faculty and staff to ensure that your rights are protected.
Students
As a student, you have the absolute right to continue participating in all classes, labs, majors, financial aid, and extracurricular activities at NSU. Upon return from permitted medical leave, you will be reinstated to the academic and registration status held prior to your leave. You will be given a neutral, fair opportunity to make up any missed assignments.
AEO will advocate for you to ensure that faculty members, administrators, or peers do not retaliate, penalize, or downgrade you for exercising your rights or for requesting pregnancy-related accommodations. If you have experienced retaliation, contact AEO.
Reasonable Accommodations for Pregnant and Parenting Students
To ensure you can fully engage in your coursework safely and without disruption, AEO office facilitates customized, reasonable accommodation.
Employees and Applicants
NSU employees and applicants have the right to request reasonable accommodations for any pregnancy or pregnancy-related illness. AEO will orchestrate reasonable accommodations for employees or applicants with adequate documentation from a certified health professional.
As an employee or applicant at Norfolk State University, federal statutes and NSU Board of Visitors Policy #4 guarantee comprehensive protections for pregnant employees.* Hiring, promotions, job assignments, and compensation evaluations cannot be adversely impacted by an employee's pregnancy, past pregnancy, potential pregnancy, or parental status. Under the PWFA, the university is legally required to provide reasonable accommodations for physical or mental limitations related to pregnancy and childbirth, absent undue institutional hardship.
Furthermore, employees are entitled to utilize applicable medical, short-term disability, or FMLA leave for prenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum recovery without risking their employment status or position security. It is strictly unlawful for supervisors, administrators, or peers to penalize, coerce, or take adverse employment action against any employee for requesting pregnancy accommodations or filing a related inquiry with AEO.
Lactation and Breastfeeding Support
In accordance with federal guidelines, Norfolk State University provides private, secure, and clean campus environments for pumping or breastfeeding. In strict accordance with the federal PUMP Act and university policy, Norfolk State University fully supports nursing employees returning to the workforce. NSU provides private, clean, and secure campus lactation rooms shielded from view and free from intrusion by coworkers or the public.
Lactation Room Locations:
- Nursing & General Education Building, Room 422
- Student Services Center, Counseling Center, Suite 312