A student has been suspended from the University of Derby for taking her baby to classes.
Leah Foster, 35, is in the middle of her studies and said her tutor agreed to take her son on short notice but that was overruled.
After a warning, Ms Foster said she had no choice but to continue and was then told she could not visit campus.
Your local MP has urged the university to reconsider, but officials said it was a health and safety matter.
Ms. Foster studies psychology and hopes to advocate for the mental health of new moms.
She said she consulted with her tutor about taking her son Emmett and was told that was not a problem, but that decision was later reversed.
When she was breastfeeding, Ms Foster said she felt she had no choice but to continue and was suspended two weeks ago.
She said: “I was shocked and in disbelief. It felt so unfair that I am being discriminated against for having a baby but trying to continue my studies.
“I understand other people are paying for their degrees and the last thing they want is a crying baby in class.
“I would never let him sit and cry or make noise or make it difficult to hear what the lecturer is saying.”
The university suggested she delay her studies by a year, but Ms Foster said this would delay her getting a job and maybe having another child.
Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins said: “I think to say to someone like Leah, ‘You’ve got to step back for a year, we can’t accommodate you in any way’ – no matter how far she’s tried to make sure.” she wasn’t disturbing.
“I think it sends the wrong message and I’m really disappointed that Derby University took that approach.”
In another two months, Leah is expected to stop breastfeeding, meaning her parents can take care of Emmett.
She said she was worried about missing out on her studies but hoped for a compromise for herself and everyone in the same position.
The University of Derby spokesman said he had not commented on individual cases.
They added: “We would not exclude a student because they wish to continue their studies while breastfeeding or caring for children.
“We have many female students who are combining study and parenthood and we support them in every way we can, including personal support plans tailored to the individual, as well as providing designated breastfeeding rooms for those who would prefer to do so outside of the more public breastfeeding period areas on campus.
“However, babies and children cannot be brought into class due to the potential risk of disturbing other students and protecting the health and safety of the parent, child and others.”
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