Tag: menstrual products

There still remains an issue which requires immediate attention: Those residing in Vista Residence hall have near-zero access to readily available and free menstrual products.

An amendment to the California Education Code, the Menstrual Equity for All Act of 2021 was signed into law on October 8, requiring that free menstrual products be available in all public schools from grades six to 12, as well as at all Cal States, UCs and community colleges across the state. 

A new bill could lift the financial burden of menstrual products for women in California. Assembly Bill 31, introduced by Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, could exempt all menstrual products, including menstrual sponges, menstrual cups, tampons and sanitary napkins from the state sales tax, commonly known as the tampon tax, and increase the accessibility of these necessary products for women.

After fights for transgender rights accomplished widespread installation of gender neutral bathrooms in recent years, some universities are providing free menstrual products in men’s restrooms to accommodate students who identify as a gender different than their anatomic sex. This step shows that institutions are willing to support their diverse student bodies.