A popular topic in recent American news is the President's desire to improve resources for working mothers. Several news outlets reported that President Obama believes that the US should offer paid maternity leave. This led me to think of the Open University UK and their work towards changing the conversation on mothers and education.
The Open University is a leader in many issues for social change. As an employer they offer an extensive variety of benefits for parents. However, they now want to ensure they offer support to pregnant students and mother of young children as they have been an overlooked at-risk group within higher education. They now provide resting facilities, baby changing facilities, lactation rooms, a nursery for students and employees, childcare vouchers, as well as, flexible work schedules. The most recent change has been improved pregnancy and maternity policy guidance for students. Many students were unaware of all the resources that the university provided them.
The Open University recognized that many students who became pregnant or had young children were not completing their degree or that their academic performance suffered. They continually assess their student population and troubleshoot ways to set them up for success. They define success not just by academic performance, but success once they complete their academic goals with the OU.
According to the 2012 Equality and Diversity Annual Report the OU believes that this attitude not only improves the lives of their student population, but children in general. By providing resources and benefits for parents, they are in turn improving the quality of life for children in their country.
I was so impressed by this attitude. I know that the discussion in America to provide women with paid maternity has been met with significant opposition. My impression is that this is because people consider this option and immediately worry about the cost or the impact on their taxes. However, the OU shows that this is not a mother issue or a women's issue, but an issue about the future of the nation and where we place our value.
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