SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Bonilla’s AB 2350 which increases the number of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), was signed late Friday by Governor Brown. This bill, which becomes effective in January, prevents pregnancy discrimination against graduate students by requiring universities to adopt policies regarding leave of absences and accommodations the institution must make for pregnant graduate students.
Pregnancy discrimination is already prohibited by federal Title IX standards which prevent discrimination against women, based on sex, in any education program or extracurricular activity that receives funding. However, many people do not realize that Title IX covers far more than equity in athletic programs.
“Far too many women are exiting STEM programs in our colleges and universities due to a lack of reasonable and necessary accommodations for students who are pregnant,” said Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla (D-Concord). “AB 2350 contests the unequal barriers that many women face during graduate school by ensuring that women can choose to have a family and continue their STEM careers.”
AB 2350 creates clear steps for universities to adhere to the standards set by Title IX, in which many schools remain noncompliant. This bill specifically prohibits a school from forcing pregnant students to take a leave of absence, withdraw, or limit their studies solely due to pregnancy. It further requires that if a student wishes to take a leave of absence due to pregnancy, the school must maintain their place in the program, provide reasonable accommodations, extend the amount of time allowed to pass preliminary and qualifying exams, and allow an extension of up to one year to complete their degree if necessary.
“Women students in California will benefit from this gender equity measure, which seeks to resolve the disparity between men and women in the STEM fields. With the increased demand for STEM jobs, it could not be more important to address the contributing factors that prevent women’s success in graduate programs. While we have seen major improvements of Title IX compliance in athletics, it is time we see the same advancements in higher education.”
Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla (D-Concord) was elected in November 2010 and represents California’s 14th Assembly District, which includes Contra Costa County and Solano County.
