ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — South Carolina State University has announced the opening of its first two lactation spaces, designed to provide a supportive and comfortable environment 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.” The first lactation space, located in Brooks Health Center’s room 9, offers privacy, comfort, and the necessary facilities for lactating women 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. Additionally, the university will utilize the Zen Den in room 107 of the Ko W.G. Donma Administration Building as a lactation space. The Donma Zen Den, one of four SC State mental health pods on campus developed using the Home Depot Retool Your School funds, provides serene spaces for students and employees to unwind from daily stresses, making it a natural location to double as a lactation space. The lactation initiative aligns 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. The university is committed to ensuring that all individuals who need access to these spaces can easily find them. Categories: Local News, Orangeburg Tags: SC State, SC State University