As the new period dispenser was installed into the restroom, the feeling of excitement and hope spread throughout the female students. This new machine gave them access to free pads and tampons during their time of need.
Soon after the feeling of relief had worn off, many students realized that the dispensers were empty. Some machines were locked and students couldn’t even open them, therefore, stopping the open access toward the products they had been granted.
The ones that did have the products were soon emptied out, as of recently the period product dispensers all remain empty and closed. Leaving students questioning: Why were the dispensers emptied out? What was the point of having these dispensers if the students can’t use them? And. who can the students rely on in case of an emergency?
In 2022, Maya Perez and Olivia Castillo, students and, “co-presidents of the feminist club at Paschal High School” (Mccarthy), were able to convince the FWISD Board to establish or offer free period products to every student, resulting in the installation of period product dispensers.
When asking around about these dispensers, one student stated that, “Personally, I have never seen them have anything in them so I have kept in mind to always be prepared with my own things.” Even for me, having those dispensers filled with just air is such an inconvenience, especially when I am in desperate need of it.
Nurse Willis, who has supplies of these products, explains why these dispensers were empty, she states: “I had asked them a year and a half ago to put them all in the dispensers in the bathrooms because I thought it would be more convenient for the young ladies rather than to run over here. Unfortunately, the girls were making artwork on the wall and sticking the sanitary napkins to mirrors, and I did not feel that was a good use of the products so I pulled them into my office.” Through mistreatment and abuse of products and privileges, these hygiene products are taken away.
For a while, Nurse Wilis used her personal money to buy these pads and tampons, but in return, the students complained about the brand of the products. She states, “I spent a lot of my grocery money trying to buy pads for the girls, only to be told they weren’t the right type.” So, she only gives out feminine hygiene products that are given to her by the district.
Pads are still being provided to students when needed, however, the privilege of having them in the bathroom has been removed.
Although pads are available for students when necessary, they should not be students only solution. It is important for students to have their own supplies when they know it is going to be needed. When asking Nurse Willis, What would be the best solution especially for women when it’s their time of month? She states, “ I would suggest keeping a calendar so you have an idea what the typical pattern is, I would suggest bringing extra clothes… also carrying an extra pad or two in there [backpack or purse] for yourself.”
Due to recent changes in FWISD policies, Nurse Willis is no longer able to make hot pads for students experiencing severe cramps. Instead she suggests, “to carry – Hot Hands,” a store bought hand warmer that works the same way an emergency ice pack does. This article can conclude that the best action moving forward for all Carter students is to keep yourself healthy and keep the supplies you need on hand.