Pierce College offers free menstrual products through its Health Center, which is a valuable resource. But this doesn’t fully meet the needs of students who may experience an unexpected period or menstrual accident on campus.
To better support student health and well-being, Pierce should promote this service more widely and take steps to provide free menstrual products in campus restrooms.
In 2021, California passed the Menstrual Equity for All Act (AB 367), requiring public schools and colleges to provide free menstrual products in at least one designated restroom per campus building. The law aims to reduce barriers to education by ensuring students have access to essential hygiene products.
The campus restrooms have been inconsistent when it comes to supplying free menstrual products. This can negatively affect students who menstruate, leading to missed class time, discomfort or leaving early from campus. A 2024 report from Safe Supportive Learning found that one in 10 college students have missed class due to a lack of access to menstrual products. Period poverty, which is when students cannot afford or obtain what they need, can have a direct impact on academic success and student well-being.
In those moments, students may not have time or feel comfortable walking across campus. Having access to products directly in restrooms is not only more practical, but it also helps preserve dignity and reduce disruptions to a student’s day.
Other California colleges have already responded to this issue. California State University, Northridge implemented the “Go With the Flow” program, which provides free pads and tampons in select restrooms and educates students on menstrual equity. This approach serves as a model that shows it is both feasible and effective to create support systems on campus.
Pierce can take similar steps by identifying buildings that are lacking free menstrual product dispensers. The college should attempt to keep products stocked and clearly communicate to students where products are available free at cost. A more consistent and visible effort can help show that student health is being supported and validated.
Providing free menstrual products is not only a matter of policy compliance, it’s about meeting student needs. By better following through on AB 367, Pierce can help create an inclusive and comfortable learning environment on campus.