The Ithaca College Contingent Faculty Union has also been requesting the college adopt the specific family leave policy laid out in the law.

Thinking in this way begs the question: Why even hire someone in the first place if they’re going to have to take an extended leave of absence?

Twelve percent of U.S. private-sector workers have access to paid family leave through their employer, according to the U.S. Department of Labor website. While Ithaca College is part of this 12 percent, some faculty on campus said they wish there were clearer guidelines regarding parental leave.