Provide free menstrual products at CMU
The Issue
Growing up, I never imagined that attending a top university like Central Michigan University could still come with challenges as basic as access to menstrual products. Yet just a few months into my studies, I experienced the discomfort and anxiety of finding myself unprepared for my period, with no affordable products readily available on campus. This experience isn't unique to me; many students have found themselves in similar situations, struggling to balance their academic responsibilities while managing their menstruation without proper resources.
At CMU, students from all backgrounds aspire to focus on their education, but for many, menstruation poses an unnecessary hindrance. Menstrual products like pads and tampons are not luxuries, they are essential for maintaining basic hygiene. According to the American College Health Association, 86% of campuses already provide some form of menstrual products. However, it's time for CMU to ensure comprehensive access by expanding the availability of free products throughout the campus.
Lack of access to these essential products has dire consequences. It can lead to missed classes, hindered participation in extracurricular activities, and unnecessary stress. Consider the data: according to a study by Thinx & PERIOD, one in five students misses a class due to lack of access to menstrual products. We can change this statistic at CMU.
The solution is simple and actionable: CMU should provide free menstrual products in ALL campus restrooms. By doing so, the university will not only be promoting gender equality but also committing to the well-being of all students, ensuring a level playing field in terms of academic success and participation.
I urge CMU’s administration to take immediate action to expand access to free pads and tampons on campus. This initiative would demonstrate CMU's commitment to inclusive and supportive student-centered policies. Please add your name to this petition if you believe menstrual equity is vital to student success and well-being at Central Michigan University.
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The Issue
Growing up, I never imagined that attending a top university like Central Michigan University could still come with challenges as basic as access to menstrual products. Yet just a few months into my studies, I experienced the discomfort and anxiety of finding myself unprepared for my period, with no affordable products readily available on campus. This experience isn't unique to me; many students have found themselves in similar situations, struggling to balance their academic responsibilities while managing their menstruation without proper resources.
At CMU, students from all backgrounds aspire to focus on their education, but for many, menstruation poses an unnecessary hindrance. Menstrual products like pads and tampons are not luxuries, they are essential for maintaining basic hygiene. According to the American College Health Association, 86% of campuses already provide some form of menstrual products. However, it's time for CMU to ensure comprehensive access by expanding the availability of free products throughout the campus.
Lack of access to these essential products has dire consequences. It can lead to missed classes, hindered participation in extracurricular activities, and unnecessary stress. Consider the data: according to a study by Thinx & PERIOD, one in five students misses a class due to lack of access to menstrual products. We can change this statistic at CMU.
The solution is simple and actionable: CMU should provide free menstrual products in ALL campus restrooms. By doing so, the university will not only be promoting gender equality but also committing to the well-being of all students, ensuring a level playing field in terms of academic success and participation.
I urge CMU’s administration to take immediate action to expand access to free pads and tampons on campus. This initiative would demonstrate CMU's commitment to inclusive and supportive student-centered policies. Please add your name to this petition if you believe menstrual equity is vital to student success and well-being at Central Michigan University.
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Petition created on November 5, 2026