I remember sitting in class, the clock ticking slowly towards freedom, experiencing that all-too-familiar discomfort of realizing my period had just started. I shifted uneasily, dreading the inevitable anxiety of not being prepared. Like clockwork, if I wasn't prepared, that red alarm would call attention, and that anxiety would be reprimanded only by a rushed visit to the nurse's office. But what about those times when it just wasn't practical to make that trip between classes?

Ohio law mandates that period products be provided for free in schools, which is a great step towards recognizing and addressing menstrual equity. However, in Solon, there's still a gap that needs addressing. Solon High School has acknowledged this necessity by providing products in bathrooms, yet both Solon Middle School and Orchard Middle School have limited students to accessing these essential items in the nurse’s office. This happens even though for many, needing to repeatedly ask for hygiene supplies can be immensely embarrassing.

The current state of menstrual happiness in these schools remains bound by inaccessibility and discomfort. While the products in the nurse's office serve as a safety net, they're often uncomfortable and unrealistic for many students' menstrual needs. Menstruation shouldn’t depend on foresight or the chance of the nurse having the right supplies on hand. Every student deserves uninterrupted learning, without the distraction of having to worry about menstruation emergencies.

We need Aunt Flow dispensers in every bathroom of all Solon schools, Aunt Flow offers organic, biodegradable products designed for comfort and reliability. These dispensers are straightforward to install, provide easy access for students, and ensure privacy and dignity.

Encouraging inclusive school environments means taking actionable steps like this to ensure that every student, regardless of socio-economic status or unpredictable cycles, can have equitable access to their schooling without the looming stress of being unprepared.

Together, we can make a change for every young person who fears embarrassment over something that's a natural and vital part of life. Let's implement Aunt Flow dispensers in our schools to truly uphold the spirit of the law and invest in educational success.

Please sign this petition to urge Solon City School District to support this necessary and impactful change!