Legislation that would provide access to free menstrual products to female students in public schools was passed by the House in a 79 to 17 vote. State Policy for Alliance for Period Supplies Manager Lacey Gero says this is a positive step towards removing embarrassment for female students across the state.
“And we’re seeing one in four teens across the U.S. have missed class due to lack of access of period supplies. It’s important that these schools buy these products so students don’t have to miss out on those opportunities to have their education met.”
New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman reintroduced her bill after it stalled last year on the Senate floor. One in four students – particularly from lower-income or rural areas – will suffer from period poverty according to a survey by PERIOD and Thinx. Gero says under the legislation the products would be in an easily accessible location at no cost to students.
“The schools determine a convenient spot for them so they wouldn’t have to be provided in all restrooms. They wouldn’t have to be in a standard location that the legislature set. It would be up to the school to decide what that location in the school would be.”
The cost of the menstrual products will vary by school depending on the number of dispensers. Funding would come from the state’s general fund. Gero hopes lawmakers will keep female students in mind when casting their votes.
“We know that it would be so meaningful for students in Louisiana. This would be one way that that could address those issues.”
Eleven states already have bills requiring schools to provide menstrual products, and at least 20 states have eliminated the tax on menstrual products.
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