Advocates for Pregnant and Parenting Students’ Rights Applaud the Reintroduction of Supportive Federal Legislation

The Coalition for Pregnant and Parenting Students Advocacy applauds the recent reintroduction of two bipartisan federal bills that will help schools support parenting students in their educational journeys. 

The Understanding Student Parent Outcomes Act, reintroduced by Reps. Deborah Ross (NC-02), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Lucy McBath (GA-06), aims to address an underlying issue that colleges often have an incomplete picture of student parents. Although there are more than 3.7 million parenting students in higher education, current data about these students is based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – which many students do not complete. There is currently no federal requirement for colleges to collect comprehensive data on parenting students, resulting in fragmented data and missing information about parenting students’ demographics and needs.

The Helping Student Parents Succeed Act was reintroduced by a bipartisan coalition co-led by Reps. Lucy McBath (D-GA-06), Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), Stephanie Bice (R-OK-5), Julie Johnson (D-TX-32), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06), Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05), and Zach Nunn (R-IA-03). This bill strives to help pregnant and parenting students get connected with child care, leave options, and other accommodations that are available to them at their schools. Such supports are essential for these students, who balance the demands of academia with caring for their children and working to support their families.

Reactions from Coalition Members:

On the Understanding Student Parent Outcomes Act:

  • “Due to structural barriers, student parents face unique challenges when trying to attain academic success and their college degree. Improved data collection is critical to help provide a more complete picture of student parents’ experiences, identities, challenges, and opportunities. We need adequate data to identify and inform policy that better meets their needs.” — Dr. Jamila K. Taylor, President and CEO, Institute for Women’s Policy Research
  • “Students with children are trying to succeed in higher education so they can provide their families with long-term economic security, but have to juggle work, parenting, and classes, all with limited support and understanding of the challenges they face. Collecting accurate data on parenting students will help colleges, states, and the federal government do more to support parenting students so they can thrive instead of only surviving.” — Dr. Edward Conroy, Senior Policy Manager, New America Higher Education Policy Program
  • “Students with children need support and recognition now more than ever. These are difficult times for young families and higher education is their ticket to a better life and more secure future. It is also critical for us as a nation to not waste the potential that each graduated parent represents in terms of contributions to our tax base and overall economy.” — Susan Warfield, Program Director, Student Parent HELP Center, MN
  • “Too many student parents—especially mothers—are navigating higher education without the support they need to succeed. By finally collecting consistent data on parenting students, this legislation will help policymakers and institutions design smarter policies and programs that reflect the realities of today’s students. AAUW proudly supports this bill because we know that investing in women’s education means supporting their families, too.” — Gloria L. Blackwell, CEO, AAUW

On the Helping Student Parents Succeed Act:

  • “Research shows that many factors impact pregnant and parenting students’ postsecondary degree attainment and persistence in their academic journeys, including varying accommodation policies and limited availability of high-quality, affordable child care. Ensuring that institutions increase students’ awareness of available resources and policies is a critical step.” — Dr. Jamila K. Taylor, President and CEO, Institute for Women’s Policy Research
  • “For too long, student parents have faced unnecessary barriers to completing their education, including discrimination and a lack of institutional support. The Helping Student Parents Succeed Act is an important step in the right direction, as it would ensure students are informed about resources such as leave of absence policies, lactation accommodations, financial aid eligibility, child care availability, housing for students with dependents, and student support services. This crucial legislation would bolster support for student parents, helping them to thrive and succeed in school.” — Josia Klein, Senior Counsel, Education & Workplace Justice at National Women’s Law Center
  • “Student parents are among the most determined learners in higher education—but determination alone isn’t enough when policies and systems ignore their needs. The Helping Student Parents Succeed Act addresses a critical gap by ensuring that pregnant and parenting students know their rights and have access to the resources that make college completion possible. AAUW is proud to support this bill because when we support student parents, we unlock opportunity not just for them—but for their children, communities, and the future of our workforce.” — Gloria L. Blackwell, CEO, AAUW

 

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The Coalition for Pregnant and Parenting Students Advocacy is a diverse group of advocates and experts dedicated to advancing civil rights protections and institutional resources for pregnant and parenting students.