Menstrual pads on a toilet paper roll were recently installed in the second-floor, all-gender bathroom stalls in the University Union (UU).
Called “Egal Pads on a Roll,” this change was a part of a six-month pilot program proposed by Emily Prince, ASI’s former secretary of health and well-being.
Prince initiated this project to address issues like broken menstrual product vending machines and inadequate menstrual hygiene solutions, according to Marc Cabeliza, chair of the UU Advisory Board.
Cabeliza said the pads were initially only added to the UU bathrooms, but have the potential to be added to the Cal Poly Recreational Center in the future.
Melissa Cline, a kinesiology and public health professor, said adding “Egal Pads on a Roll” to the UU bathrooms made a positive impact in addressing the issue of menstrual supply shortages.
“It’s a way to make health more accessible and equal on campus, so I think it’s amazing, and it’s long overdue,” Cline said.
Cline believes pads on a roll should be available throughout campus, not just in the UU, so students do not have to walk far for menstrual supplies.
“This is just one thing to facilitate not only better hygiene, but access for women so that we’re not having to bail on class because there’s nothing in the bathrooms,” Cline said.
Due to ASI’s minimal budget for menstrual products, Cabeliza said there was only enough money to supply tampons prior to “Egal Pads on a Roll.” This project helps add more inclusive menstrual products that are not included in the budget, as the pads are funded by University Union Facility Operations.
If students respond positively to the new addition, ASI will work to implement them in other bathrooms around campus, Cabeliza said.
Political science sophomore Olivia Hanna said she found the project important due to what it promotes.
“Having the pads in gender-neutral bathrooms creates awareness and more acceptance as it makes it seem more normal to be on your period regardless of your gender,” Hanna said. “Sometimes, people are scared of opening a tampon or pad packaging because it’s too loud, but the pads on a roll help normalize having your period as it is a normal bodily function.”