In North Carolina, students in public schools face countless distractions and challenges while striving for academic success. In this environment, the natural and normal biological process of menstruation should not become an obstacle for our young women and people who menstruate. Unfortunately, it often does due to the lack of access to free period products in our schools. It's time to change that by passing a state law that ensures the availability of free period products in all public schools in North Carolina.

Currently, many students are forced to choose between their education and attending to their natural needs due to inadequate access to menstrual products. A lack of access can result in students missing class time or feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed due to unexpected periods or insufficient resources to manage them. This issue disproportionately affects students from low-income families who might not be able to afford these essential products.

We know access to menstrual products is critical for the health, dignity, and full participation of students in their educational pursuits. According to a study by PERIOD and Thinx, 1 in 5 teenagers have struggled to afford period products, which has impacted their school attendance. By mandating that all public schools in North Carolina provide these essential products for free, we address a significant barrier to education and promote gender equality in our schools.

Furthermore, implementing this requirement is both feasible and beneficial in the long run. Schools can budget for these items just like they do for other essential supplies. Non-profit organizations and private sector partnerships can also play a role in providing these resources. Other states and countries have already implemented similar programs with great success, demonstrating the positive impacts on educational outcomes and student well-being.

I have a question for you. How long will students have to choose between managing their periods or going to school? It's not just a problem in developing countries. How long will students be forced to pay for essential items? Charging for period products is as crazy as charging for toilet paper. How long will our state ignore a problem faced by about half its residents? 

By signing this petition, you join the call for state lawmakers to prioritize the health and educational outcomes of students by making period products readily accessible in schools. Let's come together to support students in North Carolina and build a brighter, more equitable future for all. Sign this petition to urge the North Carolina legislature to enact a law that ensures free period products are stocked and available in every public school in the state.