To: Wellesley Faculty and Staff
From: Carolyn Slaboden, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources
Re: The Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
Date: March 30, 2018
I am writing to inform you of the Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which is a new law that goes into effect on April 1, 2018. The Act prohibits employment discrimination in the terms and conditions of employment against employees and job applicants due to pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions. Also, employers must provide reasonable accommodations for an employee’s or a job applicant’s pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions in accordance with this law. Employers cannot retaliate against employees and job applicants due to pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, or because they request or use a reasonable accommodation. While the Act is new, the College has long adhered to the philosophy and goals of this law. With the new law in place, we have formalized our policy, which is found in the administrative handbook and the faculty handbook.
In addition, information regarding a variety of child care resources can be found on the Human Resources website.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at x2216 cslaboden@wellesley.edu.
