CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL REQUIRING SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE FREE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS
California public schools and universities are required to stock their restrooms with free menstrual products starting in the 2022-2023 academic school year. The new bill, Menstrual Equity for All Act, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. California has also repealed a tax on similar products that could have cost women $20 million every year.
It adds to a 2017 law that requires providing students in disadvantaged areas with free menstrual products. Menstrual Equity for All Act expansion now includes all state colleges and public and state schools: grades 6 to 12. Institutions must stock up to 50% of bathrooms with free period products.
In response to the newly signed bill, Democratic Assembly member and bill sponsor Cristina Garcia tweeted, “Having convenient & free access to menstrual products means our periods won’t get in the way of our education & will alleviate the anxiety of trying to find a product when we’re trying to learn.” Additionally, she highlighted the importance of this decision stating that “Just as toilet paper and paper towels are provided in virtually every public bathroom, so should menstrual products.”
(1/2) 🎉🎉 #AB367 is now signed into law 🖊. Having convenient & free access to menstrual products means our period won’t get in the way of our education & will alleviate the anxiety of trying to find a product when we’re trying to learn. Another important step towards… pic.twitter.com/4qzm0R91uM
— Cristina Garcia (@AsmGarcia) October 9, 2021
The advocacy group Period released a statement regarding the matter; “California joins a growing number of states who lead the way in demonstrating that menstrual equity is a matter of human rights.” According to the group, “no student should ever lose learning time due to their periods, period.”
The growing movement for accessible menstrual products has been around for a while. Several other states are also considering free menstrual products in public schools. For example, Washington Sate made a move to provide free menstrual products in school bathrooms back in May. While it isn’t a first in the United States, many countries have already adopted similar measures, including Great Britain, Australia, Canada, and India.
The recent moves come as women’s rights advocates push nationwide for affordable access to pads, tampons, and other items. More than half the states still tax menstrual products are still considered as “luxury” items.
