AAUW-NJ applauds passage of bill to require menstrual products be provided in public school restrooms for free.
New Jersey takes important step to provide equal access to education enabling students to reach their full potential, irrespective of gender.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 3, 2023 — The New Jersey State Affiliate of the American Association of University Women (AAUW NJ) applauds the near unanimous support for Senate bill S1221. The bill establishes a program in the Department of Education (DOE) to reimburse school districts for providing menstrual products in public school restrooms and requires the State to pay costs.
AAUW-NJ supported the bill as a member of the Equality, Period. NJ – the first statewide coalition formed to advocate for menstrual equity policies. AAUW-NJ and its members lent their voice to the cause, testifying in Trenton and writing emails to legislators. New Jersey’s best-in-the-nation education system funds all essential items needed for students to be successful in school—and now menstrual products will be included on the list.
“Period poverty, or the inability to afford menstrual products, is a serious issue for marginalized populations. Nationwide, it was estimated that 1 in 5 students in 2019 struggled to afford menstrual products and now that number is closer to 1 in 4 as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sharon Suber, President of AAUW-NJ. “By the time this program is implemented in 2024-25, there will be almost 355K menstruating students in New Jersey. Now they will all have access to menstrual products in school should the need arise.”
“It was amazing to see unanimous support for this bill in the Assembly with only one ‘No’ on the concurrence vote in the Senate,” remarked Anjali Mehrotra, founder of the Equality, Period. NJ coalition. “The next step is to work with the administration to implement this bill in an equitable manner. Everyone is aware of the disparities in New Jersey’s public school system based on zip code. Instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, we must ensure that the funds are distributed to meet the needs of individual districts.”
About American Association of University Women of New Jersey (AAUW-NJ)
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. Our nonpartisan, nonprofit organization has more than 170,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and more than 800 college and university members. AAUW of New Jersey is the state affiliate representing approximately 1200 members in 20 branches throughout New Jersey. Learn more and join us at aauwnj.org.