End Period Poverty in Pennsylvania Schools
Pennsylvania State General Assembly
In 21st century America, schools have an obligation to serve all students equitably. Every student deserves the reassurance that their school restrooms are outfitted with necessities to accommodate their biological needs. Yet, for roughly half the US student population, there is a glaring exception to this commitment: menstrual hygiene products.
Menstrual hygiene products are basic necessities, and the inability to access them affects a student’s freedom to study, be healthy, and participate in society with dignity. Studies have shown that when students lack access to menstrual hygiene products they skip or miss class, face embarrassment or objectification because of period stains, and are limited both academically and socially.
Together we can end period poverty and achieve menstrual equity.
Join PERIOD @ Abington Heights High School in taking action to ensure that all students are provided free and easy access to period products — because no one should have to miss out on an education because of their period.
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Interrupted studies. Missed classes. Stunted education. This is the reality for so many students who menstruate, simply because they lack access to readily available and affordable period products.
Free toilet paper and soap are provided in every school bathroom as basic necessities for natural bodily functions. Yet, for students who need period products — over 50% of the Pennsylvania student population — similar resources aren’t provided, and the consequences are profound for individuals and society.
Free and easy access to period products is necessary for equal opportunity in education. It is a fundamental human right to be able to discover and reach one’s full potential, regardless of a natural need. Providing free, readily available menstrual products in schools is critical to helping all students, especially low-income students, succeed. If we as a society do not ensure access to menstrual hygiene products we are showing that we do not value students with periods, and are actively perpetuating the harmful effects of period stigma and shame.
The Pennsylvania State General Assembly is in a unique position to provide care to their constituents by way of universal access to menstrual hygiene products in all high school and middle school bathrooms.
We, the undersigned, demand that girl’s high school and middle school restrooms, serviced by the Pennsylvania State General Assembly funding, must be consistently stocked with both pads and tampons at no cost to students, and have sanitary disposal units within each stall.
Sign this petition, share it with your friends, and join the Menstrual Movement in creating change for millions of menstruators and demanding systemic change towards gender equality. During this time of difficulty, we cannot allow the taxation of menstrual products to be a barrier to ANYONE’s health or security. Periods do not stop for a pandemic, and neither should we.