SC State opens lactation spaces for nursing employees, students

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State University announced Wednesday the opening of its first two lactation spaces designed to provide a supportive and comfortable space for nursing employees and students.

“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,” said Tyrrea Glover, SC State’s interim Title IX coordinator and equal opportunity investigator. “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.”

Located in Brooks Health Center’s room 9, the first lactation space supports lactating women by offering privacy, comfort, and the necessary facilities to express milk in a safe, clean environment.

“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,” Glover said.

The university also will utilize the Zen Den in room 107 of the Ko W.G. Donma Administration Building as a lactation space. The Donma Zen Den is one of four SC State mental health pods on campus developed using the Home Depot Retool Your School funds. The pods provide serene spaces for students and employees to unwind from daily stresses, so the Donma Zen Den is a natural location to double as a lactation space.

The lactation initiative is in line with Title IX and recent federal legislation, including the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the PUMP Act, which emphasize the importance of workplace accommodations for lactation. Glover said both laws seek to ensure that lactating employees and students can continue their work and studies without compromising their health or the health of their children.

Over time, SC State plans to expand lactation room availability across the campus to meet the needs of more students and employees. SC State is committed to ensuring that all individuals who need access to these spaces can easily find them.

To learn more about the new lactation spaces, contact Tyrrea Glover in the Office of Equal Opportunity at equalopportunity@scsu.edu or 803-516-4549 or Pinkey Carter, director of Brooks Health Center, at pcarter@scsu.edu or 803-536-7055