What if I told you that about half of UF's population suffers from menstruation? And I don't use the word suffer lightly. Would you be surprised? Probably not. Now, what if I told you that those free condoms we see all over campus come from our student fees? Would you be surprised then?
What if I told you that Student Government voted against slightly increasing student fees in order to provide students with free pads and tampons? Yeah, I'm not surprised either. I knew that Student Government would not let this happen, they have a habit of never really considering what the students want, instead choosing to vote for what they want.
However, I was taken aback by their reasoning. Although they recognized a petition signed by over 4,000 people, they claimed there was no way to verify how many of those were UF students, and how many of those identified as male, and would therefore not benefit from this. Excuse me, but is that not the most stupid thing you have ever heard? "This proposal only benefits 50-ish% of the student body so we can't pass it, sorry I don't make the rules."
How about other proposals that only benefit small populations of UF students? Scooter parking only benefits the small percentage of students who use scooters. Multicultural organizations only benefit minority students. Anything Greek Life related only benefits students involved in Greek Life. And don't get me started on anything athletic or recreational.
I can't help but wonder why this is such a big deal? Why it was so easily, and unanimously voted against? Are people scared to talk about periods and menstruation? My favorite thing to do is have no shame in my period. I no longer hide my pads or tampons in my sleeve, if it falls out of my bookbag, I don't scurry to pick it up and hope no one saw. I am not ashamed of something so natural and I truly believe there is no reason to be. However, for some crazy reason, it makes people uncomfortable, especially boys, (notice how I said boys and not men).
While some may argue that it is not the school's responsibility to provide students with personal hygiene problems, I clearly disagree. As someone who menstruates, I do my best to be prepared, but accidents happen. Sometimes I'm on campus for longer than planned and I know I need to change pads. Sometimes you randomly start spotting, and for the longest time, my period was irregular, I never knew when it would show up to surprise me.
It hurts me to say that I am ashamed of my wonderful University right now. I cannot bear to wrap my head around how someone can be so inconsiderate. The increase in student fees would be just a couple of dollars, that in the end would lead to so many people being much more comfortable and safe.
When Student Government refuses to take into account how something so wanted could benefit so many people, they are failing to acknowledge these people. This refusal is an insult to women, and all others who menstruate. Sorry that our problems aren't inclusive enough for you, now that you care so much about inclusivity and what would benefit the whole school. If only you could help.
