Upholding Gender Equity: Title IX Coordinators' Experiences Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Postsecondary Students

Background: This study employs narrative inquiry and the Contexts for College Change framework to explore the experiences of Title IX coordinators (TIXCs) at fouryear public U.S. institutions in supporting pregnant and parenting students (PPS). Purpose: While Title IX mandates protections, accommodations, and institutional support for PPS, implementation varies. Prior research identified macro-level institutional factors influencing PPS support such as enrollment size and U.S. region, but little is known about the micro-level experiences of administrators working directly with PPS. Methods: I conducted seven semi-structured interviews with TIXCs from four distinct types of four-year public institutions. I analyzed the data thematically and presented findings through vignettes and cross-narrative themes. Results: TIXCs perceive their role in PPS support as advocacy for students, institutional compliance, and defending educational rights. Their approaches are shaped by implicit and explicit factors within four contexts of college change: campus, higher education, external stakeholders, and society. Seven key themes emerged: (1) PPS awareness shaped by personal experience, (2) identity-driven motivation and approaches, (3) support, (4) campus norms, (5) resource availability, (6) policy challenges, and (7) emotional strain. Conclusion: The findings illuminate the complexities of TIXCs’ experiences in supporting PPS. Positioned at the intersection of policy and practice, TIXCs are pivotal in advocating for PPS rights and advancing gender equity in education. These insights offer valuable guidance for strengthening institutional practices that promote PPS retention and degree completion.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies

Grantor

University of Houston

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Rhea, Lori D. 1968-

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Louis, Dave A.
• Rangel, Virginia Snodgrass

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Hernandez, Pamela
• Day, Susan X
• Katz, Sheila

• Educational leadership

Language dc:language.iso

English

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10657/19503

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uh-ir.tdl.org:10657/19503