CINNAMINSON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — A school district in Burlington County has discriminated against women on maternity leave, according to the New Jersey Attorney General’s office.
Three women employed by Cinnaminson Township Public Schools filed complaints after they said school board policy prevented them from coaching a team while they were out on maternity leave.
The Attorney General’s Division of Civil Rights investigated and found the policy violates state laws against discrimination.
According to Attorney General Matt Platkin, while more than 70% of the district staff in Cinnaminson are women, 70% of extracurricular positions are awarded to men.
State law does allow for part-time employment, like coaching, while out on leave after childbirth.
The investigation found one woman had been coaching for a decade before having a child. She was prevented from continuing in that role until nine months after giving birth. Another woman had to cut her maternity leave short to return to coaching.
Platkin says these laws are in place to prevent employers from forcing a woman to decide between having a career or having a child.
“These cases serve as a reminder that employment policies and practices cannot punish an employee for taking time off to bond with a new family member,” he said.
KYW Newsradio reached out to the district superintendent for comment but has not yet heard back.