H.R. 6359 — Pregnant Students’ Rights Act

This section requires each institution of higher education participating in programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to disseminate information to prospective and enrolled students (including part-time students) on the rights of, and resources (including protections and accommodations) for, pregnant students and students who may become pregnant while enrolled who choose to carry a baby to term. The required information includes (1) a list of on-campus and community resources to support carrying the baby to term and post-birth care, (2) available accommodations to support carrying the baby to term and parenting after birth, and (3) instructions on filing complaints for alleged Title IX violations (i.e., discrimination based on a student's choice to carry a baby to term) with the Department of Education or the institution. Dissemination must occur via annual email to enrolled students and through student handbooks (if any), student orientations, student health or counseling centers (if any), and the institution's public website. A rule of construction prohibits the Secretary of Education from requiring additional information or rights beyond those specified. (Thus, this expands the consumer information activities that HEA Section 485 currently requires institutions to provide on financial aid, costs, refunds, and academics.)