A proposed statewide school mandate is prompting discussion in Downtown Saint Paul about cost, access, and whether menstrual products should be placed in boys’ bathrooms.
According to Alpha News, the bill says school districts and charter schools must give students no-cost access to menstrual products in restrooms used by students in grades 4 through 12.
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.
Residents represented by Samakab Hussein may want to follow future votes and any revisions made before final passage.
Article Source: Alpha News: “DFL legislators want menstrual products in boys’ bathrooms”
