As of 2022 California law requires public schools (grades 3-12) to provide free menstrual products (pads and tampons) in all women’s, all-gender, and at least one men’s restroom at all times, under the Menstrual Equity for All Act (AB 367). This requires adequate supply of feminine products at all times and free of charge. In addition to the products, a required notice must be posted in these restrooms detailing the specific law and contact information for those responsible for managing the supplies. All of our Dublin High girls’ restrooms have these required signs and dispensers, however many girls have reported an inadequate supply of feminine products in these restrooms.

Much of the time, there are no pads available to girls in these restrooms. While tampons can most of the time be found in one of these designated restrooms, many girls prefer to use pads. And under California law both tampons AND pads must be ADEQUATELY supplied in female restrooms. Heeyoung Emily Kim recounts her experience trying to access feminine products, and expresses how, “In my opinion, many girls experience lots of humiliating experiences relating to no pads offered in Dublin High School bathrooms. It’s really disrupting class time when I have to go all the way to the nurses office for any access to pads. In addition, tampons are uncomfortable, and many girls require pads of all different sizes.” Emily is not the only one who has experiences relating to the little access to girls’ products in the school’s bathroom. Natasha Prabhu also reports her experience of little access to menstrual care, and how “there are almost never pads in the girls restroom. It’s so bad in fact, I can no longer trust the school to supply these products for me and have resorted to supplying for myself and my friends.” I myself have on occasion sought access to feminine products in the restroom with bad results. I have rarely been able to receive pads in the girls restrooms all around campus. As for the signs that give contact information to those responsible for refill, I have gotten no response and have seen no results despite contacting the school via email many times. 

The fact is simple: Girls are being denied their right to free feminine care at school. The district is responsible for providing these products and are failing. Women have a right to care and a right to dignity and this is a serious offense if the pattern continues. I urge the school district to go above and beyond the basic requirements of the law when it comes to the well being of its students. Because as of right now, I am afraid they are not even meeting the base requirements of California law. I also urge every girl who feels they are being denied these products to reach out to the school and the district. We all deserve to feel comfortable and dignified in our own schools.