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—at least half the student population—similar resources are not provided, and the consequences are profound for individuals and society.

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, including low-income, transgender, and differently abled 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.

We believe that UC Davis and the entire UC System are in a unique position to provide care to their communities by way of universal access to menstrual hygiene products in all bathrooms. The PERIOD chapter at UC Davis is conducting a volunteer-powered pilot program stocking nine campus bathrooms with free pads and tampons in order to collect usage data to demonstrate need and inform future permanent provision.

We, the undersigned, demand that all restrooms, regardless of gender designation, serviced by UC Davis Campus and UC System funding must be consistently stocked with both pads and tampons at no cost to students, and have sanitary disposal units within each stall.

Fill Out Our Survey: https://tinyurl.com/freetheperioducd
Campus Initiative Website: https://www.freetheperiod.com/
Chapter Website: https://periodatucdavis.wordpress.com/
Chapter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucdavisperiod/
Chapter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ucdavisperiod