I. Introduction

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law aims to be a place of “radical welcome for all,” including law students and their families. We aim to provide law students with the resources they need to pursue their law degree while supporting their children and families. This policy is designed to provide law student parents with information to best support their needs and the needs of their newborn child, newly adopted child, new foster child, or child newly placed in their legal custody. 

II. Definitions

1. Adoption means legally and permanently assuming the responsibility of raising a child as one’s own.
   
   
2. Child means a child under the age of 12 months or an individual under the age of 18 who is the newly adopted or foster care child who is newly placed in the legal custody of a parent. 
   
   
3. Foster care means 24-hour care for a child in substitution for, and away from, a parent or guardian. Such placement is made by or with the agreement of the State (or the District of Columbia) as a result of a voluntary agreement between the parent or guardian that the child be removed from the home or pursuant to a judicial determination of the necessity for foster care and involves an agreement between the State (or District of Columbia) and foster family that the foster family will take care of the child. Although foster care may be done with relatives of the child, state (or District of Columbia) action is involved in the removal of the child from parental custody.
   
   
4.  Parent means a biological, adoptive, step, or foster parent of a child or an individual who stands in loco parentis to the child. 

III. Eligibility

Any law student in good academic standing who is a parent of a newborn child or a child newly placed in the home through either adoption or foster care is eligible to take advantage.

IV. Options for New Parents

There are a variety of options available to law students who are pregnant or new parents. Students should meet with either the Dean of Students for First-Year Students, Susan Newell, or the Dean of Students for the Upper-Division, Gemma Forest, to discuss their options on a personalized basis that conforms with the Law School’s Academic Rules. In determining the best option, students should consider the potential implications on their scholarships, financial aid, academic ranking, immigration status, and/or health care coverage.

V. Notification

Law students should notify their Dean of Students of any upcoming birth or adoption as soon as possible so students can receive information about the options and resources available to them as new parents.

VI. Resources

We understand that the demands of being a law student and a new parent can be overwhelming. In addition to the support of your Deans of Students, there are a number of resources available to law students.

1. Disability Support Services
   Academic accommodations may be available to pregnant law students.
   
   
2. Law School Wellness Room
   Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to use the Law School’s wellness room as a private lactation space. The wellness room is located on the first floor of the law school in the hallway leading to the University parking garage. Students may reserve the wellness space on a recurring basis by emailing Dean Forest (forest@cua.edu). Additionally, breastfeeding accommodations for classes or exams should be coordinated with the Deans of Students.
   
   
3. Maternity Parking
   An expectant mother holding a valid Catholic University parking permit may park in convenient spots designated by signage for use by pregnant women.

4. Cardinal Cupboard
   The Cardinal Cupboard is Catholic University’s food pantry, which provides non-perishable food and other items at no cost to any member of the university community who needs help affording essentials. Baby items, including diapers and wipes, are available in the Cardinal Cupboard. Patrons may shop on their own during open hours or request that bag(s) be premade and made available for pickup. The Cardinal Cupboard is located in the Pryz 342 and is open Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 12-6 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday from 12-8 p.m.

5. Cardinals for Life Babysitting Network
   Cardinals for Life, a non-partisan student organization, has a network of students willing and able to babysit either on-campus or nearby. For more information, please contact cardinalsforlife.cua@gmail.com or isaacc@cua.edu.

6. Parent Group
   The Parent Group is one of the many student organizations at Catholic Law. The group was started by students who understood the challenges of completing law school while raising a family. The group not only serves as a support structure for its members but also looks for ways to incorporate the families of the students, faculty, and staff into the Catholic Law Community. For more information, please check out their Nest page.

7. Counseling Center
   Catholic University’s Counseling Center offers free and confidential counseling services for any currently enrolled full-time students. 

8. Campus Ministry
   Catholic University’s Campus Ministry offers spiritual support and guidance, as well as graduate student ministry and events. 

9. Student Health Services
   Catholic University’s Student Health Services offers free and confidential pregnancy tests. Health services staff are also available for further information about insurance and pregnancy-related concerns.

VII. Anti-Discrimination

New parents are reminded that pregnancy discrimination is illegal under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. If you suspect that you have been discriminated against on the basis of pregnancy, contact the Chief Compliance Officer (cua-compliance@cua.edu).