The National Youth Commission is urging private schools to stop penalizing students for getting pregnant.
In a press statement, NYC Commissioner Perci Cendeño said some private schools suspend students who get pregnant. "Schools managed by religious groups suspend pregnant students because they are perceived as bad examples to their peers," the commissioner said.
Cendeño said the practice violates the student’s rights. "To suspend or expel students for being pregnant is to go against the welfare of young women who who are likely to face financial difficulties in the future because of reduced economic options and opportunities," he added.
The Department of Education has a policy barring discrimination against pregnant students but Cendeño said this only covers public schools. "We call on private school administrators to follow suit," the NYC said.