The Senate Higher Education Committee has moved forward with two bills sponsored by Senator Robert Singer aimed at supporting student parents in New Jersey’s colleges and universities. The measures are part of a broader legislative package introduced earlier this year to address the needs of students raising children while pursuing higher education.
Senator Singer emphasized the challenges faced by student parents, stating, “Student parents face unique challenges and shouldn’t be penalized academically or discriminated against while trying to receive a higher education. This legislative package ensures that student parents are provided reasonable accommodations to achieve academic success while raising a family.”
One of the bills, S-3978, known as the “Student-Parent Protection Act,” would extend current protections for pregnant students to all parenting students. At present, institutions cannot require students to take leave or reduce their studies due to pregnancy or related issues; this new legislation seeks to ensure similar safeguards for those who are already parents.
Another bill, S-3979, proposes that every college and university in New Jersey appoint an employee as a student-parent liaison. This role would help inform student parents about available academic services and ensure they have access to necessary support.
Earlier in June, two other bills from Senator Singer’s package were approved by the committee. Bill S-3976 would grant priority course registration for student parents, while S-3977 calls for colleges and universities to compile annual reports on undergraduate student parent enrollment numbers in order to better understand their academic outcomes.
The full texts of S-3978 and S-3979 can be accessed online.
