Pictured Above: A menstrual product dispenser hangs on the wall in the University Student Center.
Courtesy of Robert Herron
By Trevor Martindale
Free menstrual product dispensers were installed in some restrooms on campus Friday in accordance with the passage of the “free the tampon” Student Government proposal in 2019.
The proposal was written by Lynnsey Trantham, a student who was not a member of SG.
The installment of the menstrual product dispensers was originally planned for the fall 2020 semester, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Robert Herron, St. Petersburg’s SG adviser, the dispensers will be funded by SG through Activity and Service fees.
Senior history major Libby Casale was delighted to see the dispensers installed.
“I think that’s really helpful, thoughtful and just overall cool,” Casale said. “It really helps people out when an emergency happens or there’s just a need for a product at the time. I think menstrual products should be free overall and I’m really proud of the fact that my campus continues to be a community that helps people out on every level it can.”
The dispensers are located in both the gender-neutral and women’s restrooms in the library, Student Life Center and University Student Center.
Sophie Ojdanic contributed to this report.
This is so awesome to see that the university is supporting a woman-owned business, while also taking care of the menstruators on campus.
WOAH. I wish my school had this. Such a great program.