The empty menstrual product dispensers are located in the middle of our bathrooms.
The presence of these dispensers suggests that menstrual supplies are available when needed, but the lack of maintenance of these vendors can cause students to feel unprepared and stressed during the school day.
“Every time I go to check the vendor, it’s constantly empty, so I just stopped checking and expecting it to be filled anymore. I am almost positive that I haven’t seen it filled since my freshman year, which was a year ago now,” stated sophomore Maya Pedraza-Alexander.
For students who experience period poverty, when access to menstrual products is limited due to financial obstacles, the issue becomes more critical. Not everyone has access to bring their own supplies from home, or the privilege to go out and purchase these feminine products.
Not being able to obtain a menstrual product can create barriers for students. It can lead to feelings of embarrassment, anxiety, or even the need to leave school early.
“One time, I went to the bathroom and realized I didn’t bring any pads to school, so I contacted my friends to see if they had any, but they didn’t, and I checked the dispensers and also saw none. I realized I had to just go to the nurse’s office for a product, but I was on the fourth floor, so this became an inconvenience for me, but I did go because I really needed it. Once I received my products when I returned to class, I got in trouble for being out too late, so having no access to products when they’re in the bathrooms just makes everything an inconvenience,” expressed sophomore Istahil Hassan.
While the dispensers are empty, there are plenty of these feminine products in the nurse’s office located in Holland.
Other students have commented on this. “I just think that if we’re going to have this dispenser in the bathroom, quote on quote, available to us, it should be maintained every day, and we should not have to go all the way down to the first floor nurses’ office for some products,” emphasized sophomore Amanda Souza.
It can be embarrassing for some to have to ask a friend for a product or go all the way down to the nurses’ office from wherever they are to ask for these items.
Since the dispensers are already installed, keeping them filled is a practical step toward supporting students’ basic needs.
Ensuring that these dispensers are regularly stocked and maintained would support a more inclusive environment for all students who menstruate, fostering dignity and equality within the school community.
