Readers of The South Texan, we encourage you to ask University officials to provide menstrual products in the restrooms on campus, since they are considered toiletries. Menstrual products should be considered just as necessary in the restrooms as toilet paper. Many of our students may find themselves in need of these items, but unfortunately our restrooms do not have them supplied. In an emergency, many students can’t easily walk to the campus store to purchase these products, and there are cases when they cannot afford to purchase them. These products are a necessity, not a luxury and those in need of them should not have to do without. According to a nationally representative 2021 survey done by Thinx and PERIOD, 23 percent of students struggle to afford menstrual products because of their cost. The average consumer spends about $20 on menstrual products on average per cycle, however there is still a percentage of consumers who cannot afford their products. This same survey revealed that 84 percent of students miss their classes, or know someone who misses, because they don’t have access to menstrual products unless provided by schools. Organizations on campus have donated supplies to provide menstrual products in the restrooms in the music building and while this is a great way to give back to the community, this should not be something a student organization should have to handle themselves. Texas A&M University Kingsville (TAMUK) uses our tuition/fees toward supplying toiletries and should include menstrual products as well. If TAMUK can have condoms available throughout campus menstrual products can be provided as well. If a student is in need of supplies they do have options; they can either visit the Javelina Care Closet or go to the bookstore. Students on campus have to bring their own products from home but things can be forgotten at home or they may not have their own products on hand. Having menstrual products in stock in our restrooms not only helps students on campus but shows that the university cares to go the extra step in ensuring their comfort. Doing this will increase the comfort of students and show that TAMUK is willing to take the steps necessary in ensuring their students stay happy and healthy.
