Public and charter schools could face a new restroom-supply requirement under legislation now moving through the Minnesota House.
As reported by Alpha News, the requirement would cover restrooms used by students beginning in fourth grade and continuing through twelfth grade.
An amendment from Rep. Dean Urdahl would have added the word “female” to the restroom requirement. Urdahl described the proposal as a matter of practicality; the committee did not adopt it.
Sponsor Sandra Feist argued that adding “female” could quickly become outdated as schools adopt gender-neutral facilities. She also maintained that students who are not female may menstruate and should have access without asking staff for products.
Funding would come through a proposed $2-per-student increase in school operating-capital revenue, according to Feist. She said students sometimes miss class when products are unavailable.
The debate illustrates how statewide education mandates can produce practical questions for individual communities such as Little Canada.
Article Source: Alpha News: “DFL legislators want menstrual products in boys’ bathrooms”
