Fordham University is in the process of reinstating free feminine hygiene products in restrooms on campus.

In the past, free feminine hygiene products were available in coin-operated machines in McGinley Center bathrooms at the Rose Hill campus. According to Kaylee Wong, GSB ’20, president of the United Student Government, these machines were moved because of limited use, misuse and vandalism.

Wong said she felt this policy needed to be reinstated and reached out to the Office for Student Involvement (OSI) and the Assistant Director for Campus Center Operations, Stephen Clark, about bringing back the machines and the free products.

“It actually went very quickly, there was very little pushback on it,” said Wong. “It was already moving so there was no need for a petition or anything like that.”

According to Wong, facilities bought and installed the dispensing machines.

“Currently, on Rose Hill, the McGinley Center restrooms have dispensers,” said Clarke. “Over the summer, additional restrooms will be added in classroom buildings.”

Clarke said similar machines are also available at the Lincoln Center Campus.

Women’s restrooms are not the only place free feminine hygiene products will be available, according to Clarke.

“Campus Operations is obtaining a list of the gender-neutral restrooms on campus in classroom buildings and plans to add dispensers to these restrooms over the summer,” Clarke said.

The resources that will be offered in women and gender-neutral bathrooms are pads and tampons, said Wong.

This policy is a necessity for a variety of Fordham students. Wong said it is particularly important for commuter students.

“I think it’s really important for our commuter students who aren’t able to just run back to their dorm room to address their period,” she said.

Wong also said this policy is necessary because of the high cost of living in New York City, where taxes are higher on feminine products.

President of Spire Fordham, Jane Tegeler, FCRH ’21, said she agreed with this new initiative.

“We love this idea,” she said. “I believe that will help women feel more comfortable and supported while going about their busy daily lives.”

Kate Pozner, FCRH ’21, said she supported the initiative.

“I think it’s really important for a school to provide women (or people with periods) with free menstrual products,” she said. “They’re an essential part of women’s health and having free access means that we can more easily manage our time, finances and therefore our productivity.”

She said this is an issue of fairness.

“Toilet paper is provided for students, and getting your period is no different than using the bathroom,” she said. “It’s a completely natural bodily function and should be treated as such.”

It is important for the university to help its underprivileged students, according to Pozner.

“Access to free menstrual products can have a crucial impact on our low-income students,” she said. “Free menstrual products can help foster an inclusive environment for students of all socioeconomic backgrounds.”

She also said the initiative should be expanded to help gender non-conforming students.

“To help promote gender-inclusivity on our campus, its also might be appropriate to distribute products in men’s restrooms,” Pozner said. “Not everyone who has a period uses the women’s restroom.”

Alex Go, FCRH ’22 also favored the policy.

“Fordham providing menstrual products is really important and a great initiative that needs to be more widespread throughout the country,” Go said. “I fully support it and look forward to seeing how it will be received by those who need it.”

Go also said this issue exists within the larger issue of the patriarchy.

“The Pink Tax is something that needs to be eradicated and this is one step of many in doing so,” Go said