Pregnant students in a Denver high school are asking for at least four weeks of maternity leave so they can heal, bond with their newborns and not be penalized with unexcused absences.
The request is unusual in Colorado’s public schools, where districts tend to deal with pregnant students or new moms with specialized programs or individualized education plans.
Denver Public Schools has no districtwide policy, leaving it up to schools to work out plans for students to continue their education.
Two counselors from East High School approached the school board last month, saying the policy at their school is unfair and inconsiderate because it forces new moms to return to school the day after being discharged from the hospital or face being charged with unexcused absences.
“My initial reaction is if we are punishing girls like that, that is unacceptable,” said Nicole Head, one of the counselors who brought the matter to the school board last month. “We’ve got to do something.”
East High School administrators could not be reached for comment over the winter break, but district officials say they are reviewing the policy on absences to make it “friendlier” to new moms, said DPS spokesman Alex Sanchez.
