Western Kentucky University may soon offer a paid parental leave policy

BOWLING GREEN Ky.-The birth of a child or adoption is a huge moment and can be stressful when it comes to work. Western Kentucky University is in the process of looking into a paid parental leave policy for the university staff.

If it passes, new parents would be given 16 weeks of paid leave within the year that they have children. This policy would apply to all parents, including parents who adopt. Sociology professor, Dr. Lauren McClain, is the chair of the Faculty Senate’s Welfare and Professional Responsibilities committee. She said she proposed the policy because of personal experiences.

“This was an issue that was important to me. I said this is something that I really want to work on. This is something that people really have an interest in. Luckily, the committee wanted to,” McClain said.

The proposal must be approved by the Council of Academic Deans. After that, it will go to the President’s Cabinet. Once the parties agree, the policy will could be given a yes, and the faculty is looking forward to this.

“Being able to plan ahead and plan time with the baby and help my wife recover would’ve been very helpful,” said assistant professor of math Dr. Dan Clark.

While the policy isn’t confirmed as of now, McClain said she’s thrilled to have made it this far.

“When that vote passed at Senate, I went home and cried and cried and cried. I was just so excited and relieved to have done something that makes a difference in people’s lives,” McClain said.