Challenges Persist in Implementing Menstrual Equity Laws in Schools
Despite laws mandating the provision of menstrual products in schools, a recent investigation reveals ongoing challenges in ensuring access for students.
According to a study conducted by a group of Brooklyn-based Girl Scouts, over 80 percent of public middle schools in two school districts failed to provide period products or sanitary bins. This highlights a gap in the implementation of menstrual equity laws, with many educators resorting to using discretionary funds or crowdfunding to meet students’ needs.
In a 2024 report, the Education Department claimed that all schools were stocked with period supplies during the 2023-24 year. However, no evidence or documentation was provided to support this claim, raising questions about the actual compliance with the law. The department declined to comment further, citing pending litigation.
Similar challenges have been observed in other states, where laws either mandate the provision of period products without adequate funding or allocate funds without specifying the products. This places the burden on schools to apply for supplies, leading to inconsistencies in implementation and data tracking.
Lacey Gero, director of government relations at Alliance for Period Supplies, notes that many states lack effective enforcement measures in their laws. For instance, the responsibility of restocking dispensers often falls on schools’ maintenance staff, with students required to report when supplies run out.
One student, Nudar, took matters into her own hands after missing part of an exam due to a lack of menstrual products. She started a student club to advocate for stocked bathrooms and successfully lobbied the Department of Education to install dispensers. However, the ongoing task of refilling dispensers remains a burden on students, highlighting the persistent challenges in ensuring menstrual equity in schools.
While progress has been made in addressing menstrual equity issues, the need for consistent implementation and enforcement of laws remains a priority to ensure all students have access to necessary period products.
