PRESS RELEASE: PARENT PRIORITY REGISTRATION PASSES THE MINNESOTA STATE LEGISLATURE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

May 18, 2026 Press Contact: Grant Berg, Public Relations Director: gberg@studentsunited.org Students United is thrilled to share that Parent Priority Registration (HF 4730, SF 4738) passed the 94^th Minnesota State Legislature. Minnesota now becomes one of the first states to implement priority registration for pregnant and parenting students. After this session, Minnesota's protections for parenting students are among the strongest in the country and include improved academic flexibility, adjustments to course participation, and continued state-level data collection to monitor parent enrollment at all of Minnesota’s universities.

“Priority Registration for pregnant and parenting students will mean that higher education, in both public and private institutions, is accessible to all students. Regardless of their age or family arrangement, this law clears the way for students to reach their full potential.” Said Casey Metcalfe, Government Relations Director for Students United.   

Vice Chair Javelia Morrison-Galimore

Students United began pursuing Parent Priority Registration after St. Cloud State University student Javelia Morrison-Galimore, a student parent and 2025-2026 Students United Vice Chair, identified the need: “Parenting students, for too long, have struggled to juggle work, classes, and the needs of their children. This ensures pregnant and parenting students face one less burden by allowing them time to create a schedule that works for their families.”  

Students United is proud to have championed this bill. We are grateful to our partners at the Minnesota Student Parent Alliance within the Office of Higher Education, LEADMN, and MinnState. We are especially grateful to Representative Jess Hanson (District 55A) and Senator Clare Omuou Verbeten (Senate District 66) for authoring this bill and supporting Minnesota students.  

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Students United is the official advocacy body for the students at the seven Minnesota State Universities. By advocating for students at the Minnesota State Board of Trustees, the MinnState System Office, the Minnesota State Legislature, and in the Federal Government, Students United ensures that student voices are heard and considered at all decision-making tables.