September 16, 2021

Duckworth and Moran Pass Bipartisan Resolution to Recognize September 2021 as National Student Parent Month

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) this week introduced and passed by voice vote a bipartisan resolution recognizing September 2021 as National Student Parent Month. The resolution highlights the contributions and achievements of the nearly 4,000,000 Americans with children who attend postsecondary educational institutions.

“Establishing this month as National Student Parent Month sends an important message to Americans who are trying to balance college coursework and raising children – especially those who face unique challenges, like single parents or first-generation college students,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud to introduce this resolution alongside Senator Moran, and hope its passage continues the push for student parents receiving the support they need so they can focus on getting an education that will help them provide a better future for their families.”

“Being a parent while juggling classes and homework, especially during the pandemic when parents also had to manage their children’s schoolwork, comes with significant challenges,” said Senator Moran. “This is especially true for many of our military-connected students who are parents and are seeking a degree or professional certification while on active duty, transitioning back to civilian life, or while a spouse is deployed. I’m pleased to work with Senator Duckworth to recognize the achievements of student parents.”

“Higher Learning Advocates is thrilled that the Senate has passed S. Res. 362, the Student Parent Resolution, designating this September the first annual National Student Parent Month,” said Julie Peller, Executive Director of Higher Learning Advocates, which has endorsed the resolution. “Nearly a quarter of students in college today are parents, and despite juggling many responsibilities, student parents excel academically. But many systemic barriers stand in their way. I’d like to thank Senators Duckworth and Moran for introducing this important resolution that calls on us all to both celebrate student parents’ achievements and also recognize that higher education policy change would allow even more student parents to succeed.”

Text of the resolution is available here.

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