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What is the Menstrual Equity Act for All?
Menstrual Equity Act for All of 2021 (CA) - AB 367
AB 367 is a California Assembly Bill that requires public schools with grades 6-12 (any combination inclusive) to stock restrooms with an adequate supply of free menstrual products.
Meaning, menstrual products must be:
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available and accessible
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free of cost in women’s and all-gender restrooms
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in at least one men’s restroom at all times.
What about CA Colleges & Universities?
While the bill requires lower schools as well as CSUs and community college districts to provide free products, it only encourages Regents of the University of California and private universities, colleges, and institutions of higher learning to provide this kind of access.
This law doesn't technically apply to private institutions, but according to students at various public colleges where the law does apply, even when there are dispensers on campus, they're often empty.
Is This Law Working?
A 2021 study found that 14% of menstruating college students experience period poverty. This burden largely falls on low-income students and students of color. This lack of access can affect academic performance.
CSU's and community colleges reported that the government doesn't ask campuses to report compliance with the law. While some universities (even UCs) have complied with the new bill, product availability varies from campus to campus.
What’s to come?
AB 230 - The Girl Scouts Period Equity Act: Require schools grades 3-5 to provide free menstrual products.
SB 59 - Equity, Period: Require state-owned buildings to provide period products in every women's and gender-neutral bathroom and at least one men's restroom.
SB 260 - The Menstrual Equity Act of 2023: Would allow low-income families to use cash benefits from CalWORKS to pay for tampons and pads.