The House Education Committee has taken up a bill requiring menstrual products in school bathrooms, including facilities used by boys, a policy question relevant to Shoreview families.
The bill’s language requires access in student restrooms and does not restrict the mandate to girls’ bathrooms.
During the Jan. 11 committee hearing, Rep. Dean Urdahl sought to clarify that the products should be available in female restrooms. His amendment failed on the DFL-controlled panel.
Rep. Sandra Feist urged lawmakers to reject Urdahl’s language, citing gender-neutral restrooms and arguing that some students who menstruate are not female. She said lower expected usage by those students was already reflected in the projected cost.
The sponsor said districts would receive an additional $2 per pupil in operating-capital revenue to fund the requirement. She compared menstrual products to other basic supplies schools already provide.
As the bill advances, Shoreview families can evaluate the competing arguments about access, privacy, practicality, and public expense.
Article Source: Alpha News: “DFL legislators want menstrual products in boys’ bathrooms”
