Georgetown Law denies pregnant student's request for exam accommodation

In the United States, Brittany Lovely, a pregnant student at Georgetown Law School, faced significant challenges when she requested to take her criminal law exam early to avoid a conflict with her scheduled due date. The university's fall semester exam schedule was set between December 6-13, with additional deferral dates shortly thereafter. Despite university policies allowing students to defer exams for various reasons, including childbirth, Lovely's request was met with a refusal. School administrators allegedly expressed sentiments suggesting that managing motherhood was challenging, implying she should manage her academic commitments better. The complications surrounding her request for accommodations escalated after Lovely reached out to the Title IX coordinator on September 11. She proposed to take her exam early or at home, demonstrating flexibility; however, her requests were denied. Lovely was informed that it would be unfair to grant her special treatment that was not available to her classmates. This response not only disappointed her but also sparked outrage among her peers, leading students to circulate a petition advocating for her cause. The dialogues between Lovely and the school administration appeared increasingly frustrating. After receiving multiple denials, Lovely recounted an unpleasant meeting with school officials, where she felt pressured to take the exam in person during the scheduled dates. At one point, she was warned that failure to take the exam as mandated would result in failing the class. This lack of support during a pivotal time in her life raised significant concerns about the university’s policies and sensitivity toward students facing major life events. Ultimately, the situation highlighted broader issues within educational institutions regarding how they accommodate students experiencing significant personal circumstances, such as pregnancy. Many students supported Lovely, recognizing the potential implications of the university’s actions on future students in similar situations. As the examination dates approach, the discussions surrounding equitable treatment for pregnant students and the obligations of educational institutions gain desperate attention, showing a need for comprehensive policy reviews to better serve all students while maintaining fairness.