Free Menstrual Products Act
Students who cannot afford or access menstrual hygiene products face a documented barrier to educational participation — missing class, falling behind academically, and disengaging from campus life.
This proposal is presented as a serious contribution to policy discussion and analysis — not as a definitive solution. It reflects my own thinking and does not represent the views of any institution, employer, or organization.
The Issue
Students who cannot afford or access menstrual hygiene products face a documented barrier to educational participation — missing class, falling behind academically, and disengaging from campus life.
Background
Period poverty affects a significant share of community college students, who face disproportionate financial pressures compared to four-year university students. Existing campus health resources do not systematically address this gap.
The Proposal
Require all Tarrant County College campus restrooms to provide free menstrual hygiene products as a standard campus resource, funded through student services.
Rationale
Treating menstrual hygiene as a public health and equity issue — rather than a personal expense — removes a concrete barrier to academic participation at no significant cost to the institution.
Considerations
Implementation requires ongoing funding, supply chain management, and maintenance protocols. Questions of scope (which restrooms, which campuses) and cost allocation require administrative coordination.
More Work