Washington, D.C.— Today, Representative Lucy McBath (D-GA-06) led a bipartisan coalition in reintroducing the Helping Student Parents Succeed Act, which will help pregnant and parenting students get connected with child care, leave options, and other accommodations that are available to them at their schools. This legislation is co-led by Representatives 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).
The Helping Student Parents Succeed Act ensures that institutions of higher learning post on their website and make students aware of their school’s policies regarding leaves of absence related to pregnancy or adoption of a child, as well as any policies related to making up missed work, lactation accommodations, the availability of child care, and housing for students with dependents.
“I was raised by a working mom who took classes to complete her master’s in nursing,“ said Rep. McBath. “I remember how hard she worked to finish her degree and provide a good life for our family. The Helping Student Parents Succeed Act will help other parenting and expecting students stay in school and complete their degree by ensuring that they know what resources are already available at their school and how to take advantage of them. I thank my colleagues for their support of this important bill.”
“I'm pleased to co-lead the Helping Student Parents Succeed Act to ensure colleges and universities inform student parents about available childcare services and accommodations,” said Rep. Bacon. “Our bipartisan legislation will help student parents access existing campus resources, including childcare options and leave accommodations, enabling them to successfully balance their education with family responsibilities.”
“Students who are pregnant or parenting must be able to focus on their education and academic success without the constant worry of locating childcare or affording a place to live,” said Rep. Ross. “Our bipartisan bill helps student parents by making it easier to access existing support services on campus. This practical legislation is a smart step toward helping them create a better future for their families.”
“I was proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing the Helping Student Parents Succeed Act. This bipartisan legislation helps students find vital pro-family policies such as childcare or paid family leave that are offered by institutions of higher education. We must continue to advocate for families who are expecting and parents across the country,” said Rep. Bice.
“As a mom, I know how hard parents work to build a better future for their families and how many face impossible choices without the support they need. The Helping Student Parents Succeed Act is a bipartisan bill that will connect pregnant and parenting students with the child care, leave options, and accommodations they deserve. This is about giving students a fair shot at success and making sure no one should have to choose between their education and their family,” said Rep. Johnson.
“Any parent or pregnant student who is pursuing their education should be able to focus on their studies and academic success without having to worry about finding accommodations or convenient care for their children,” said Rep. Ciscomani. “As a dad of six, I am proud to join this bipartisan bill to make it easier for students who are pregnant or already parents find access to existing support services on campus so they can focus on their studies and creating a better future for their families.”
“Access to high-quality, affordable education can be transformative,” said Rep. Hayes. “The Helping Student Parents Succeed Act is about empowering parents to pursue their academic goals without the burden of choosing between their education and the well-being of their children. By bolstering access to childcare resources and parental leave options, we are not just helping individuals; we are strengthening families and building a more resilient future for all.”
“A mom going back to school shouldn’t have to fight through red tape just to figure out if she can take leave, make up a test, or find child care. This bipartisan bill brings transparency, accountability, and a clear set of rules to campuses across America, so parenting students can put more time into their degree,” said Rep. Nunn.
The full text of the bill can be found here.