The Lactation Advocacy Subcommittee, with the University Committee on the Status of Women and the Department of Gender, Race, and Identity (GRI), has devoted a new lactation/quiet room in Thompson Building near the Quad. The room features a comfortable couch, a phone charging station, and other required amenities to service the needs of staff, faculty, and students on campus who need a private space for nursing, pumping, or to feed their child. The space is also available for those who need a private space for religious and medical reasons. It is the eleventh lactation quiet room designated since 2011.
Lactation/quiet rooms not only benefit University parents, but provide a space for a diversifying student body that includes more parents and caregivers. For students who balance the demands of work, school and family, these dedicated rooms are essential for their success and support while pursuing higher education and participating in campus events.
Alana Walls, a doctoral student in Anthropology, said, "This is an important step towards a more inclusive environment. Not only does the GRI lactation room provide a comfortable, quiet, and private space for nursing mothers like myself, it allows me to spend more time on campus pursuing my degree."
Emily Hobson, associate professor of Gender, Race, and Identity and History adds, “GRI is thrilled to be able to support this new LQR and the mission of the Lactation Advocacy Committee. Parents and caregivers are a vital part of our community of students, faculty, and staff, and we welcome all those using the new space.”
The GRI suite has a kitchenette with a microwave, refrigerator, and a sink available to those who are using the lactation quiet room, along with informational boards that advertise current community and university resources, groups, and events. While maintaining the privacy of the lactation/quiet room toward the back of the suite, it’s not uncommon to see university and community members sharing a cup of tea while chatting by the common area.
The lactation/quiet room is located in the . To reserve the space, please email gri@unr.edu call (775) 682-6480, or drop by the office during regular hours for access.
More information about Lactation Quiet Rooms and the subcommittee can be found on the lactation/quiet rooms webpage.
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