New Orleans Rep Amiee Freeman, Caddo Parish Magnet H.S. student Ananya Bhatia and New Orleans Rep. Jason Hughes
A bill to require public schools in Louisiana to carry free menstrual products for students in either a restroom or an accessible location passes in House Education. While researching her legislation, bill author New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman said she learned that many students experience “Period Poverty.”
“Students who don’t have the resources to purchase supplies, go to school or don’t go to school because they don’t have a tampon or a pad. And it’s holding them back,” said Freeman.
Ananya Bhatia, Caddo Parish Magnet High School student and co-president of GirlUP an organization supporting the needs of female students, told lawmakers the legislation would help female students who have little access to menstrual products.
“As early as the age of 10, we are expected to provide for ourselves, making school a place of anxiety. I am coming to you as a student of Louisiana, as a face for the girls calling on their state to care for their most basic needs,” said Bhatia.
House Bill 195 co-author New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes said the cost for local school districts would average $500 for the first year to install dispensers. Hughes said if the toiletry needs of males are supplied in school restrooms, then they should also support the needs of females.
“No young girl should have to go to school and be embarrassed, be shamed, be afraid, because of the anatomy that God has blessed her with,” said Hughes.
The bill passed unanimously in committee and is scheduled to be heard on the House floor Thursday.
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