Your school is also required by law to make it possible for you to participate fully. 

Your school is also required by law to make it possible for you to participate fully. That law is called Title IX (Title 9). More than likely, your school will support you, but Title IX will protect you from discrimination just in case they do not. Every school has to follow these rules.

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Title IX guarantees you full access to education.

What does that mean? This means, even if you are pregnant or have a child, you can participate in all classes and activities. It also means...

• This means that you can still participate in advanced placement and honors classes, school clubs, sports, honor societies, student leadership opportunities, and other activities, like after-school programs operated at the school

• You do not have to take special classes for pregnant or parenting students. A lot of these programs are really great and can help set you, and your child, up for success, but it is up to you if you want to attend or not

• You do not need a doctor’s note to participate in activities, unless other students need doctor’s notes.

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In other words, they have to treat you the way they treat all students.

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You may need some special accommodations. Title IX guarantees those.

Full access to education also means providing special accommodations if you need them to participate in classes and get around school. You may need a bigger desk, more trips to the bathroom, or access to an elevator. Your school must provide these things for you.

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With a note, you can miss school for appointments. 

You can miss school to go to your prenatal or postpartum appointments. You can also miss school to take your child to an appointment or to stay home with them if they are sick. With a note, these count as excused absences. 

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When you miss school for these reasons, you have to be given a chance to make up any missed work, but it is a good idea to let your teachers and school know so they can give you assignments ahead of time. 

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Quick References Summarizing Your Rights