This past month, Junior Class President Rohan Shah and Junior Student Council Representative Cynthia Shen worked together to equip the women’s bathrooms at PDS with feminine hygiene product stations. Although an initiative started by past student leaders already existed, Shah and Shen committed to enacting change after hearing feedback from the student body. Shen noted, “We have always had period product baskets in the bathrooms. However, they were usually empty. Rohan and I wanted to revive the idea of feminine hygiene products in the bathrooms so that students can have more convenient access.” This step, along with the current media spotlight on the importance of free menstrual products, brings to light a strongly rooted stigma associated with periods.
After hearing about the S-1221 law signed by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy in late August, that required public schools in New Jersey to put feminine hygiene products inside women’s bathrooms for grades 6-12, Shah realized that PDS needed to take action. Shah stated, “[I]f the public schools are having it, then the private schools should as well.” Shah also explained the steps for organizing the new initiative, how it is being monitored, and the people involved in the process. “The products are being replenished each week…and the school is paying for the products. PDS was actually very on board with the proposal, so I think it will be permanent.”
Within the first couple of weeks of the new system, students have begun to notice the new implementation and have already seen the positive impacts. Sophomore Brooklyn Jang touched on the many circumstances in which these products are needed. “I think that it is very helpful for women who forget their products at home or do not know their period is coming.” Additionally, she shared her understanding of how she hopes the new system will succeed and last for years to come. “Because these products can run out quickly, I feel like if it is used in moderation, that would be helpful.” Similarly, junior Nikita Malhotra added, “I think it would be best if people only took what they need, so the products do not run out too quickly.”
This course of action shines a light on the many steps the PDS community is taking to better serve students. Junior Maxine Chen mentioned, “The fact that this issue is being solved by the student council says a lot about our student body and administration, and that they are looking out for us.” Also touching on the values of the PDS administration, Shen credited the help and guidance of Director of Student Life and Spanish teacher Michelle Simonds and Director of Health Services Elizabeth Luciano in carrying out the installation.
Hygiene baskets can be found in all of the girls bathrooms in the Upper School.
