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Lawmakers approve bill to put feminine hygiene products in schools

Joe Irizarry
/
Delaware Public Media

The state Senate unanimously passes a bill to provide feminine hygiene products in the Delaware middle and high schools.

The legislation requires all public and charter schools serving grades 6-through-12 to place the products in at least half of their bathrooms.

It also requires schools to publish on their websites and post in common areas the locations of the bathrooms where the hygiene products are available - and consult with school nurses regarding the products provided.

State Senator Kyle Evans Gay (D-Brandywine Hundred) says too much school time is lost because of the lack of products to help those with a menstrual cycle.

"There are many, many students in Delaware and across our country who are missing school because they do not have access to these products which for students who menstruate are as essential as toilet paper is to any student," said Gay.

State Senator Ernie Lopez (R-Lewes) adds he expects this will help ease the stress for students returning to school after an already stressful year during the pandemic.

“As our kids start going back into school after all of the stresses over the course of the last year, I think one of the last things they need to be worrying about is something like this," said Lopez. "So, to be able to provide this and ensure that the dollars are there on behalf of our kids, especially our girls, I think that's something that's extremely important."

School districts are expected to incur a one-time cost of just under $30,000 to install feminine hygiene dispensers, and spend just over $77,000 per year to supply the products.

The legislation now heads to Gov. Carney’s desk. 

Joe brings over 20 years of experience in news and radio to Delaware Public Media and the All Things Considered host position. He joined DPM in November 2019 as a reporter and fill-in ATC host after six years as a reporter and anchor at commercial radio stations in New Castle and Sussex Counties.
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