Original article written by Mirica Woodley, Opinion Editor
Beachwood City Schools sent an email to students and families on August 22, 2023, stating that the district was installing Aunt Flow period product dispensers in bathrooms at Beachwood High School, Beachwood Middle School and Hilltop.
Research shows that a lack of access to menstrual products affects school attendance and poses health risks to students. This partnership with Aunt Flow affirms our commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment where students feel supported and focused on learning.
Jennifer Polak, Director of Pupil Services
The implementation marks a shift in accessibility for Beachwood’s students with menstrual cycles.
Polak further explained why the district installed the dispensers.
“These are essential health care items, [ensuring students’ convenient access] provides dignity, it provides privacy and convenience,” she said.
Prior to this innovation, students on their cycles had to either go to the nurse’s office or pay 25 cents at a dispenser to obtain menstrual products.
“I was happy about it. It’s just nice to know that you don’t have to put in a quarter anymore,” senior Madison Torbert said.
Discussion surrounding the installation of menstrual products at Beachwood began at the end of last school year.
The school district’s leadership team, composed of district administrators and building principals, discussed a variety of issues that students face, one of which is limited access to free period products.
At around the same time, Polak started researching companies and statistics on period poverty in the United States and found Aunt Flow.
Beachwood students are happy about the implementation.
“I’m so happy about it,” senior Siya Gulia said.
“I thought it was really annoying how I had to pay for menstrual products in the restrooms, but now I can get them for free,” senior Vivian Myers said.
