by Czarinah Galve, Staff Writer
The SFUSD installed district wide sanitary pad vending machines in the girl’s bathrooms. At Galileo, in addition to all of the girl’s school bathrooms having a vending machine, all staff/admin bathrooms including the principals.
“My guess is the school district wanted students to have access to health products especially in school.” said Galileo assistant principal Ms. Arkin.
However, with these new installations come new concerns. When the news first came about, administrators were concerned about improper usage of the pads inside the machines by some individuals.
Additionally, sanitary pad vending machines were also installed in 25% of the boys bathrooms, for transgender students, which raises more concern about immature actions that may occur in the bathrooms. Ms. Arkin explains, “We were worried that it would be used for disadvantage at first. Or that kids would play with it. But as of right now, there hasn’t been any problems and I wish for it to stay the same.”
Besides worrying about students acting irresponsibly with pads from the machine, there are also other concerns about them. While talking to administrative assistant, Ms. Bettie Grinnell, she questioned on who will keep them stocked.
However, Ms. Arkin says, based on her understanding, the school board will take care of it and that budgets weren’t in the conversation when they were first informed about the installations.
Students appreciate the gesture from the district as they feel having access to pads can be very helpful, especially for emergencies at zero cost. “It is comforting to know that there are feminine products available for us for free. It is helpful for those who need it.” a comment made by Ligaya Novicio, 12th grader in regards to the new installations.
Senior Juliana Lacap states, “I think having these machines in the bathrooms is significantly helpful because most girls often forget to bring pads and are too shy to ask other girls. In addition, menstrual products are so expensive nowadays so it’s nice and convenient to be provided these products at school.”
