What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, State and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications. More information about the ADA is available through the federal website: ada.gov/resources/disability-rights-guide

Additional federal legislation that provides protections or resources to individuals in higher education with disabilities include:

What is Title IX?

"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational programs or activity receiving federal financial assistance" – from the preamble to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

Title IX, as a landmark civil rights law, profoundly affects all aspects of schooling by requiring equal opportunity. Since its passage in 1972, Title IX has had a profound impact on helping to change attitudes, assumptions, and behavior and, consequently, our understanding of how sexual stereotypes can limit educational opportunities. We now know, for example, that gender is a poor predictor of one's interests, proficiency in academic subjects, or athletic ability. As the First Circuit Court of Appeals noted, "interest and ability rarely develop in a vacuum; they evolve as a function of opportunity and experience” (Cohen v. Brown University (1st Cir. 1996) 101 F.3d 155, 179).

When Title IX is mentioned, many people think about women and athletics. However, Title IX is about so much more; it also covers acts that can impact educational opportunities for all.  Other areas which fall within the scope of Title IX include:

  • Recruitment, Admissions, Financial Aid and Scholarships
  • Course Offerings and Access
  • Counseling
  • Hiring and Retention of Employees
  • Benefits and Leave

Title IX also prohibits sexual harassment, which includes sexual assault and sexual violence.

Equity and Participation in Athletics

Pregnant and Parenting

female basketball player bounces basketball while a player from the opposing team guards her

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs that receive federal funds. While the law applies to all aspects of educational opportunities, it probably is best known for its application to sports. Title IX requires that educational institutions

  1. provide male and female students with equal opportunities to play sports
  2. give male and female athletes their fair share of athletic scholarship dollars
  3. provide equal benefits and services (such as facilities, coaching, and publicity) to male and female athletes overall

Georgia Tech fully supports equality of opportunity for its male and female athletes, whether as part of its NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics program or through its more than 30 student-run sports clubs and 20 intramural teams.

Joeleen Akin
Senior Associate Director of Athletics
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Equity in Athletics

jakin@athletics.gatech.edu
(404) 894-4462

a doctoral graduate poses next to his wife and two children

In accordance with Title IX, students should be permitted to make up any coursework or educational activities/assignments that are missed due to any documented medically necessary absences or conditions that arise during pregnancy and delivery.

Depending on an individual’s situation, this may include doctor’s appointments, medical complications, hospital visits, and delivery. 

Pregnant students, regardless of residency/visa status, are protected from discrimination based on pregnancy. 

Two resources from the U.S. Department of Education that may be useful to review include:

For additional information and resources for Pregnant and Parenting individuals at Georgia Tech, including requesting accommodations, submit the Pregnancy Accommodation Request Form.

Sex and Gender Discrimination

Definitions Under Georgia State Law

The Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.) may be viewed here.