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.

Period products are as much of a necessity to students as toilet paper and should be treated as such by being incorporated into the annual budget of the school. Walking up to the office after discovering that you are on your period, or having to ask around for a pad or tampon can be embarrassing and take educational time away from students.

The US Department of Education’s stated mission is to “promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access." Code Red calls on University High School to fulfill their agency’s charge to remove discriminatory barriers that hold students back.

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.

Join Code Red and show the UHS administration that this is a necessity that we will fight for!