SGA Resolution 2021-2022 #24, November 2021

1 2 3 4 5 б 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 RESOLUTION 2020-2021 #24 IN THE STUDENT SENATE OF TOWSON UNIVERSITY, November 30th, 2021, A RESOLUTION CONCERNING FREE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS IN ALL ACADEMIC BUILDINGS ON CAMPUS. INTRODUCED ON: November 30th, 2021 INTRODUCED BY: Senator Rink (on behalf of Director Dieme) COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Favorable SENATE ACTION: ENACT UPON APPROVAL. Jordan M. DeVeaux, President - Student Government Association WHEREAS, Towson University currently offers free menstrual products in the Center for Student Diversity. However, academic buildings are currently not equipped with free menstrual products. Since the Center for Student Diversity is located in the University Union, which may be inaccessible for many students. WHEREAS, Menstrual products are needed by approximately half of the population, but are not accessible and affordable to many of those who need them. According to a survey done by BMC Women’s Health, 14.2% of women had experienced period poverty in the past-year; an additional 10% experienced it every month. WHEREAS, According to a poll conducted by Thinx and PERIOD, 1 6% of teenagers had to choose between buying menstrual products over clothes and food during the pandemic. WHEREAS, A lack of menstrual health products can result in mental health struggles for those affected. In the same study, BMC Women’s Health found that “[people who experienced period poverty] were the most likely to report moderate/severe depression” compared to those who had adequate access to menstrual products. WHEREAS, This initiative is being supported by the state across public schools in Maryland. In Maryland State legislature, joint House Bill (HB0205) and Senate Bill (SB0427) entitled “Public Schools - Provision of Menstrual Hygiene Products - Requirement” was passed with amendments under the following provisions: All Maryland State Public schools will be required to, in at least one restroom in each elementary school and two in each middle and high school, have menstrual product