Logan Settles Overs Pregnancy Complaint
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by: DrTirpak posted: December 11, 2013
Logan College of Chiropractic University Programs reached a settlement agreement with the National Women’s Law Center and Attorney B Lane Hasler over Chiropractic Student Brandi Kostal’s complaint of pregnancy discrimination.
While simultaneously working toward a Doctorate in Chiropractic and a Master’s in Nutrition, Brandi Kostal faced an emergency Caesarian after pregnancy complications. Following the surgery, Brandi was told to return to her Chiropractic classes, against her doctor’s recommendations, when Logan threatened that she would face attendance failures. She also requested an incomplete in order to finish her online Master’s in Nutrition course, which the Professor reported as failing grades. She was faced with postponing her Spring 2014 graduation date and enrollment in a PhD program and further tuition costs. (Read Pregnant During Chiropractic College? Complaint Filed Against Logan College of Chiropractic for a more indepth account and a copy of the complaint.)
With help of Attorney B Lane Hasler and the National Women’s Law Center, Brandi filed a complaint with the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights for, what they proclaimed, was Logan University’s disregard for her rights under Tittle XI.
Title XI, passed in 1972, is most widely known legislation for creating equal athletic opportunities, but also specifies that pregnant students have to be allowed to return to their classes, allowed to make up missed work after childbirth and not be penalized for those absences.
According to the National Women’s Law Center the settlement reached with Logan Chiropractic College / University Programs included:
- Logan agreed to adopt a policy that addresses the rights of pregnant and parenting students under Title IX
- All pregnancy-related absences will be excused for as long as medically necessary. Individualized plans will be created for making up missed work
- The University will conduct annual, mandatory trainings so that faculty members understand their Title IX obligations
- Logan’s Title IX policy will be placed on its website and in the student handbook
- Brandi's failing grades would be removed from her transcripts
- She can complete the two Nutrition Masters Courses at no cost
- Reimburse her tuition payments for the period during which she was pregnant and recovering from childbirth
When questioned about the settlement, Logan replied with a statement: "Logan University has long been a champion of equality in education. We are pleased to have resolved the disagreement with this student in a way that, we believe, will further enhance our policies and opportunities for Logan students. Our new policies and procedures will help us continue to meet evolving federal requirements."
After the settlement Logan Chiropractic College student Brandi Kostal stated "I am grateful that my fellow students who are pregnant or currently parents, will be fully protected under Logan's new policy. I know firsthand how committed pregnant students are to do well for themselves and their children. I feel confident that current and future pregnant students will be able to continue their studies as planned and build a strong future for their families."
Have you or someone you know suffered pregnancy discrimination similar to Brandi Kostal? Contact Attorney B Lane Hasler.
Editorial Note: We would like to thank Brandi Kostal for the courage and determination to stand up for her rights on behalf of Chiropractors, Chiropractic Students, present and future. While writing the original article, we heard many stories from former Chiropractic students at Logan and other Chiropractic colleges about the struggles and educational setbacks they experienced at the hands of ill-educated administrations. Good luck in your future endeavors, you are a true asset to the Chiropractic Profession.
Other Related Articles: Pregnant During Chiropractic College? Complaint Filed Against Logan College of Chiropractic
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