​New York State’s Campaign for Menstrual Equity

By Alejandra Cedeno

There have been many changes going on throughout the building but there's one in particular that many students and staff haven't noticed. There are now new pad dispensers in the girls’ bathrooms! This may seem like an insignificant change but a big one for students who menstruate. Turns out New York State now has a law requiring schools to provide free feminine hygiene products in restrooms.

The legislation, which was part of Governor Cuomo's Women's Opportunity Agenda, went into effect July 1, 2018. "New York leads the nation in breaking down barriers to equality, and this legislation is a critical step forward in ensuring every girl in New York has the same opportunities to grow into a confident, successful woman. By providing all students with equal access to these products, we are creating a stronger, healthier New York for all," Cuomo is quoted saying on The Official Website of New York. This law is convenient for students who may not be able to afford hygiene products or even girls who Aunt Flo snuck up on.
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I, for one, was surprised to see dispensers that actually worked and were stocked. Females throughout the building can agree that having dispensers in the bathroom is more convenient than having to get a pass to the nurse's office and then doing a walk of shame to the bathroom. It’s gratifying to see that while the federal government seeks to roll back women's right, New York leads by example to break down stigmas and barriers for women.