Throughout the past year, PBJ has been working towards a future in BVSD in which there is access to free, quality menstrual products in all student restrooms. Lack of access to these necessities directly impacts students’ health, welfare, and school opportunities. Roughly 1 in 4 students who menstruate have missed classes or entire school days because they do not have necessary period supplies. Low-income students and students of color experience period poverty at significantly higher rates, making the lack of access an issue of systematic inequity as well.

Without proper menstrual products, students may resort to unsafe alternatives such as paper towels or toilet paper. Rationing a single pad or tampon for too long out of scarcity drastically increases the possibility of dangerous health outcomes. While some schools may store products in the nurses office, many students report feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable to ask an administrator, enforcing the need for direct access in restrooms.

On September 15th, our dedicated group of youth volunteers took to the pavement of Pearl Street to share our vision of menstrual products in all BVSD restrooms, and encourage neighbours to attend the upcoming School Board Meeting to support us. This frequently stigmatized topic is incredibly important to talk about in discussions relating community care and student success. 

We shared the many ways that period poverty directly impacts a student’s ability to stay in class and learn. Many residents shared that they had not realized that the lack of access to these products may cause students to miss class, or the fact that it could be dangerous.There were parents that shared how much relief this policy change would bring to their own children.

Menstrual products are not luxury items, they are as essential to a functioning school bathroom as soap and toilet paper. When students lack access to these necessities, they may face anxiety, lost instructional time, and serious health risks, By bringing this conversation into the community, we are both destigmatizing the topic, as well as working toward a future in BVSD in which students don’t have to choose between their education and their dignity.

On October 13th at 5pm, we will be attending the BVSD School Board Meeting and sharing our mission with board members and others in the Boulder community, and we hope that you can join us.

Here is the sign up link for public comment. https://rb.gy/nviww3