South Carolina State University announced the opening of its first two lactation spaces on Wednesday. These spaces will accommodate nursing employees and students in a supportive environment. This initiative aligns with the university’s commitment to promoting well-being and inclusivity within its community.
Tyrrea Glover, SC State’s interim Title IX coordinator and equal opportunity investigator, emphasized the importance of these new facilities. “The creation of this lactation space marks an important step in our ongoing efforts to foster inclusive, accommodating environments for all members of our campus community,” Glover stated. “This initiative aligns with the university’s commitment to supporting the well-being of nursing individuals as they balance the demands of their work and academic lives.”
The first lactation area is in room 9 of the Brooks Health Center. It provides nursing women with privacy, comfort, and the essential facilities needed to express milk in a clean and safe environment. Glover added, “Providing a dedicated lactation room is an important step toward meeting the needs of our nursing employees and students, ensuring that they have access to essential resources to maintain their health and care for their families.”
A Multifunctional Space
In addition to the Brooks Health Center room, SC State will use the Zen Den in room 107 of the Ko W.G. Donma Administration Building as a lactation space. The Donma Zen Den is part of a mental health initiative funded through Home Depot’s Retool Your School program. It provides serene spaces designed for relaxation and stress relief. This multifunctional approach allows the Zen Den to serve both mental well-being and lactation needs.
Establishing these lactation spaces is consistent with Title IX and recent federal legislation, such as the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and the PUMP Act, which advocate for workplace accommodations for lactating individuals. These laws help ensure that lactating employees and students can continue their work and studies without compromising their or their children’s health.
Looking forward, South Carolina State University aims to expand the availability of lactation rooms across the campus.