Assemblies Elections

PRO

• student

I am in favor of pads and tampon being available free of charge in all bathrooms on campus.

• student

Tampons and napkins are one in a category of supplies that are so essential, they should be available for free. It’s for the same reason that bathrooms offer free toilet paper and offices have free tissue boxes.

• student

Tampons should be free in bathrooms

• student

Feminine products are a necessity, not a luxury, and women do not always have a warning for when they will need one. Additionally, who even carries quarters around constantly to use in the machines when they do need one??

• student

It’s a basic need for all women and it’s ridiculous that they aren’t free already

• student

No Woman Should Have to be Without a Pad or Tampon!

• student

This is a basic human right, like water and shelter

• student

Yes, definitely!

Menstruation is a natural process for the vast majority of females. However, we are told by society that we need to hide the fact that periods happen through pads and tampons (or any other method). Yet, even though females are told by society that we need these products, they are still not made readily available to us. Thus, these products come out of our own money, which means we spend money on things that are biological and literally cannot be helped.

Cornell University is a place where condoms are given out freely, and with reason. However, why are pads and tampons not being provided to female students in bathrooms? There have been, and will continue to be, many incidents in which a female student needs a pad or tampon for an emergency and does not have the money to purchase it on the spot. What happens then? Does she need to go around frantically asking for these items? Does she need to worry about whether or not anything will stain her clothes? Does she need to go back to her dorm room and pick them up herself? Does she need to go to a store and buy them (for that one incident) even though she has them already? What happens to her?

To avoid this problem, I think that pads and tampons should be made accessible to students in all bathrooms across campus. Women need them because society tells us we need them, yet we have to pay for them. When we do not use them, then society looks badly upon us.

I am all for wearing pads and tampons as opposed to free bleeding. However, I do not think it is fair that for something that is natural, I need to be equipped at all times. There will be times when students are not prepared, yet are they supposed to be held accountable because of that?

No, I think Cornell University should avoid this problem and allow pads and tampons in all bathrooms for students across campus in case of any situation.

• student

It’s a bodily function. You would think that in the US of all places, women would be given the proper materials to maintain a normal health standard within having to pay for those necessities.

• student

yes! sometimes it’s unknown when your period arrives and you forget a pad/tampon at home. this would be so useful!

• student

Access to tampons and pads on campus is critical to students when they have their menstrual cycle. The cost of these necessary supplies adds up over time, and Cornell’s funding of these items would represent a step to provide a small yet essential item to those in need on campus.

• student

Condoms are free and they are not a necessity. Pads and tampons are a necessity so it makes sense that they should also be free.

• student

Menstruation can catch a woman off guard and render her unable to continue with her day as she would normally. Providing tampons and pads in the bathroom would help eliminate any interruption and allow her to attend classes and do activities she would normally participate in.

• student

It is important for women to have accessibility to these supplies.

• student

Tampons and pads are products of necessity, not luxury, and it is unfortunate for a university, that should serve as a bastion of progress and tolerance, to not promote the idea that all students and faculty equally deserve to have their personal needs met. Menstrual bleeding can be understandably difficult to plan for and can be a factor that could seriously hinder an individual’s ability to study at this university on any given day. With comfort, convenience and inclusion in mind, I believe everyone deserves equal access to products of these nature. The cost will be minimal and worth every penny, both in the intentions reflected by such an action and the practical use allowed by its implementation.

• student

Why pay for a natural occurrence?

• student

For many students, menstruation does not adhere to a set schedule. There have been multiple instances when I did not have sanitary supplies. I don’t carry around change on a consistent basis and the other students in the bathroom and building also don’t when I actually had the nerve to ask. Since there is a culture of shame regarding menstruation, I sometime don’t feel comfortable asking a fellow student. Instead, I rush to the Cornell Store and am forced to buy a whole package because it is closer than my dorm or apartment. Often, I have to leave in the middle of lecture and miss the rest because of the trip. On top of the inherent stress of being a student, I have to worry about something I can’t prevent.

• student

A female doesn’t choose to have her period each month nor is it a pleasure by any means, so it does not make very much sense to force them to have to pay for something that they cannot control. In addition, college students are already in need of money often times and this will help to limit the amount of money a woman would have to spend on tampons. Furthermore, in case of an emergency a female will always have access to the items she may need during that crisis.

• student

i am pro tampons and pads being available to students free of charge.

• student

Pro

• student

Yes, I believe that tampons should be free of charge in all bathrooms on the campus. It will create a more gender inclusive environment

• student

Tampons and pads are expensive yet are a need for female-identifying students. Pads and tampons should be free. Their a need not a luxury

• student

Tampons can get expensive to continuously buy, yet, they are something every girl needs. Us females are not given an option to have, or not to have a menstrual cycle, therefore, we cannot opt out of buying tampons. I believe that tampons should be located in every bathroom on campus free of charge.

• student

I support this referendum

• student

mn

• student

Tampons should be free!

• student

So female students can focus on class instead of worrying about how many tampons they packed or leaking in class.

• student

I would only buy pads when my period comes suddenly and surprises me. I would need to buy it in case of an emergency. However, sometimes I do not have a quarter in my backpack and I am not able to get the pad out of the machine.

• student

Tampons and pads should be available for free in all women’s restrooms

• student

Pro

• student

The reason that this motion should pass is because it is an issue of human dignity and makes for a more inclusive environment on campus. Women may not be carrying a tampon or pad with them when they find themselves with a need for one. And we need to acknowledge that in 2016 most students do not carry cash specifically change which is usually required for the bathroom dispensers of these products; which currently exist in some public restrooms (this is not referring to Campus restrooms).

This motion is in support of a less disruptive academic environment, no one should have to go home to retrieve these products and come in late to a lecture disrupting their class and missing a part of a lecture.

These products should be provided for free ultimately for the same reason that toilet paper and soap are provided for free in campus bathrooms. They are necessary items that students need in order to take care of their personal sanitary needs. By saying that these items in question, pads and tampons, are not necessary; we are promoting a sexist ideal, which puts the needs of men over the need to establish equity on campus.

I do not want Cornell to be seen as making a sexist choice and lose its status as a progressive leader among Ivy League institutions; a moniker which I and many other students take pride in. I also believe, that the Universities status as progressive is one of the reasons for its appeal to such a broad variety of perspective students; and promotes the diverse student body which we take such pride in.

Ultimately I feel that this motion must pass if the University is to continue its commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all students on campus. It comes down to the motto established by our esteemed founder I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.

• student

h

• student

Pads and tampons are not only implicit tax on gender, but also a hassle. School is stressful enough. It’s not fair that half of this schools population has yet another financial and logistic worry on top of that every month.

• student

Most of us don’t carry cash, much less quarters, and it is very difficult being on your period and not having what you need when you need it. If you’re running between classes, you can’t just go to the Cornell Store to buy tampons, much less go home to get some.

• student

On a campus as large as Cornell’s and in an age where most people do not carry any cash or change on them, women can often be left in an impossible situation of not having access to pads or tampons. In order to support our female students and to avoid situations where women would need to skip class to run to the Cornell Store or back home for a pad or a tampon, Cornell should provide free pads and tampons in every restroom.

• student

I believe pads and tampons should be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus.

• student

Tampons are expensive as shit and college girls be broke.

• student

Tampons and pads are a necessary amenity for women on campus and I strongly support the initiative to make them available free of charge to students on campus.

• student

Yes, I think they should be provided. Sometimes girls are in need and cannot find them, and it puts them in an uncomfortable situation that is physically demanding.

• student

I believe that feminine products should be available in all bathrooms.

• student

Personally, I believe that feminine products are a necessity for women- not a luxury. In the same way that condoms are often available free of charge, pads and tampons should be as well. After all, you can choose to have sex. You can’t choose to have your period.

• student

Yes

• student

Pads and tampons are a necessity and are expensive to buy.

• student

Yes - pads and tampons should be available free of charge to all students who are faced with the inevitable cost of being a woman. Birth control is already a burden on many - women should not be financially punished for the norms on campus and the inherent nature of our gender.

• student

They are a necessity, not a luxury, and can be difficult to access due to financial or transportation limitations. They should be available to all who need them, especially as lacking them can cause harm, due to embarrassment and/or the ruining of clothing.

• student

When women are on their periods, they’re already dealing with hormonal changes and physical pain from cramps in addition to the heavy workload of Cornell. Providing them with tampons and pads for free could make this time of the month go smoother and spare them the embarrassment of having leakage during the day.

• student

Everyone should have access to tampons and pads at all times. That’s a given.

• student

I have two reasons to support this referendum:

First, the impersonal reason, is that gender dysphoria is a very real thing, and anything that can be done to support people struggling with it is positive.

Second, the personal reason: I am male and I use pads myself occasionally. I have a pilonidal cyst above my anus that occasionally drains. This is an example of an entirely valid case where even *men* would benefit from making pads freely available on-campus. (I can’�t speak for tampons myself but still, why not?)

• student

I think pads and tampons should be available to all students in all bathrooms. People should not have to pay for basic sanitary needs that are arbitrarily provided. If toilet paper is provided for free, then so should feminine hygiene products, because they both serve to meet them same feminine means.

• student

Pads and tampons be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus

• student

These items should be provided for free because sometimes a girl’s period catches her by surprise and if she doesn’t have money on her, but needs a pad/tampon, she should have access to it.

• student

Pads and tampons are essential to the health and well being of at least half of the Cornell population. It is frequently pointed out that condoms are available to students for free. Sex is for the most part, an active choice. Periods are not. Pads and tampons seem as simple a necessity as toilet paper. For these reasons I believe Cornell should provide free pads and tampons in all bathrooms on campus.

• student

I love tampons

• student

Menstrual products are very expensive, even at Cornell convenient stores such as those at Noyes and RPCC. I know many financially insecure students, myself included, who would benefit from free menstrual products. And for students who are not financially insecure, sometimes products are needed unexpectedly. Having the option of free products in the bathrooms would make female students feels safer and more comfortable at school. As the products are a necessity to all females, just as water and food is a necessity, and a hefty expense, I believe that offering them would help put female students on an equal playing field with male students and help them to feel supported by their University.

• student

It seems inherently unfair for women to have to pay for a product that is a necessity particular to their gender. It makes less sense than making us all pay for toilet paper.

• student

I, Emma Namelelani Birch, am in support of Referendum #30: Should pads and tampons be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus?

• student

They should be free on campus to promote gender equality.

• student

test

• student

I can speak from personal experience that being without a tampon or pad when you need one is distressing. Making them available around campus is not only a progressive step towards equality, but also a genuine favour to alleviate one of the many stresses on Cornell students.

• student

1) Tampons and pads are expensive, more so because of the luxury tax

2) Condoms are provided free of charge, but sex is (normally/hopefully) a choice, whereas bleeding out of your pussy is not something you can control

• student

They provide free condoms, but no tampons. That’s not right.

• student

As a female myself, it is astounding to think about the amount of money that goes towards feminine products. Pads and tampons are not optional or luxury items; they are a necessity to every woman or person who menstruates. Not every person chooses to have sex, yet even condoms can be taken for free from health centers. No one chooses to menstruate, yet it is a biological occurrence that must happen, so pads and tampons should also be free and be supplied for those in need in all bathrooms.

• student

Tampons and pads are not a choice or luxury item. They are a necessity. To make females pay for an item, not even getting into the fact that taxes on such items still exist, is plain disgusting. We did not choose this, so why must we pay for something everyone uses? Toilet paper is provided free of charge to the community and is seen as a necessity, so why do we still have to pay for something every young female uses? Beyond just students, faculty and staff have to pay as well. Fortunately, females tend to be generous and when caught off guard by an unexpected flow, you can typically find a female that has an extra available. Especially since it is a coin system, sometimes you simply don’t have the spare change laying around. I have been in scenarios where I have to break money at the nearest store in order to have a quarter to toss in a machine. Now, half the time when I don’t have a pad or tampon on me, I resort to folding toilet paper an making an improvised pad. The fact that I have to do this, as do most women at one point or another should be seen as an absolute embarrassment to the facilities who ought to be providing such items. Especially on a university campus, my tuition winds up going towards movie showings, free food give aways, pointless free massages and craft activities, and various other pointless and useless luxuries. If sacrificing one of these events, or even every damn one of them means that women no longer have to be taxed and exploited for their basic necessities, I for one would give them up. Menstrual hygiene products are not a luxury. They are a need.

• student

I completely support this.

• student

yes, pads and tampons should be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus!!

• student

I think having free pads and tampons is crucial, and that this would add to the long list of reasons why Cornell is an incredible, inclusive and accommodating school!

• student

Sounds like a great idea.

• student

Sometimes there are emergencies, and it would be really nice to have that provided.

• student

I believe that providing tampons/pads to students at no cost is something that may save many women the worry of accidentally being unprepared for something we cannot control. Seeing as students can get condoms for free at Gannett, it only makes sense for a necessity such as tampons to be accessible whenever they are needed.

• student

Pads and tampons are a necessity, similar to toilet paper, and should be available in all bathrooms, especially because some students may be facing financial hardships and cannot afford pads or tampons. Other universities, such as Brown, are already doing this.

• student

I agree that pads and tampons should be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus.

• student

There have been numerous times when I am in need of one of these items and I do not have one. It is rare for students to carry cash or change and it is impossible to go without. It is unrealistic to drive to a convinient store in the middle of class just to get one of these items because they are not offered for free in each bathroom.

• student

They should absolutely be free! When people have emergencies, they are rarely carrying a quarter to get a tampon or pad from the machine in the bathroom. Having free tampons and pads will save a lot of embarrassment for a lot of girls.

• student

Please provide!

• student

If condoms are free, tampons should be too.

• student

Pads and tampons should be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus. If there can be free condom dispensers (e.g. the women’s bathroom in Willard Straight Hall) there should be free pads and tampons too. Both are aspects of sexual health that are equally important. The need for pads and tampons is just as great as the need for condoms, if not more, due to the frequency with which women need to use them. Furthermore, it would be a great service to the community, especially women’s mental and physical well-being, if pads and tampons were made readily available in bathrooms free of charge. Women should not be punished with a fine for instances in which their periods take them by surprise.

• student

I believe that tampons should be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus. In the case of an emergency when a tampon is not readily available, students should not have to rush over to a store or have to scramble for a quarter just to receive what is essentially a necessity for them.

• student

Pads and tampons are expensive and inconvenient. Not having one when a student needs one can make them miss class or be extremely distracted, so it puts menstruating students at a disadvantage. Free pads and tampons available in all bathrooms will ensure that students never have to miss a class because they’re bleeding.

• student

I’m a guy and I get free condoms in the bathroom.

• student

There is a luxury tax on them! They are something that half the population basically needs, that is not a luxury. So at least provide them to students for free.

• student

We’re all used to seeing free condoms, but why don’t we offer free tampons, too? It’s time to pay attention to women’s needs outside of sex and make the materials for everyday well-being available to women.

• student

Yes, they should be free

• student

Cornell distributes male sexual health supplies at every opportunity, but the dearth of female equivalents is stunning. Not only would the free distribution of tampons be convenient, but it would also make them much more accessible to low-income students. Menstruation is not a choice, and therefore neither is the use of tampons and pads, but the expense of these supplies is often difficult to bear. Free tampons and pads in Cornell bathrooms could relieve this burden on their students. The availability of condoms is a fantastic step toward a sexually healthy and positive atmosphere at Cornell, but the expansion of this initiative to include female sexual health supplies as well would have an even greater effect on campus life.

• student

Tampons and pads should be provided free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus. These products are a necessity, and are very costly. Students should not have to worry about having access to these items.

• student

It is ridiculous that condoms are thrown at students free of charge when pads and tampons are a necessity every month for females. If Cornell can afford to have free condoms at gannet, on north, and given out to students randomly like quarter cards, they can afford to stock bathrooms with items that are a matter of hygienic importance to females.

• student

Pads and Tampons are a necessity for many people, and as such, they should be easily accessible.

• student

Women do not choose to have their periods. It is unjust for women to not have the proper materials provided for them on a college campus. A woman should feel comfortable and safe if she forgets a pad or tampon because she knows that she can go to any bathroom on campus to get one.

• student

The provision of menstrual hygiene products is absolutely equivalent to the provision of toilet paper. We never question the latter, but the former is a necessity to a significant portion of Cornellians and yet remains unprovided. It is pertinent that Cornell does its best to facilitate the education and livelihood of ALL its affiliates, and it is high time that this step forward is taken.

• student

Pads and tampons are expensive with not only their cost but the taxes that are also imposed upon them for what they are. By having pads and tampons be available free of charge, it would help avoid any unfortunate circumstance of a girl getting her period in the middle of the day and having to miss classes just because she forgot to bring some money and had to go to her room in a dash.

• student

Pads and tampons should be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus.

Menstruation is as much a part of life as pooping and peeing. Toilet paper is free in campus bathrooms, so pads and tampons should be too. Thank you.

• student

Bathrooms on campus should have tampon/pad dispensers because many feel that an absence of one can lead to some sort of emergency. As long as the university can be efficient and cost-effective in its implementation I see no reason to deny such a productive service.

• student

Women should be afforded the most basic human rights and dignity.

• student

I Absolutely support this effort, but not every girl uses tampons and so pads should also be accessible for free to cover a wider population of girls

• student

I believe tampons should be available free of charge for Cornell students.

• student

I think that they should be free in the restrooms, but there should be some system in place that would discourage people from taking as many as they can carry out the door. As a matter of principle, I believe they should be free, but the risk of the school paying for every tampon is very high since they are a necessary good and are relatively expensive.

• student

I support this referendum.

• student

It is unfair that schools often give out free condoms because sex is a choice, and abstinence is possible. However, women can’t abstain from having periods, and the money we spend on pads and tampons adds up eventually, a problem that males do not have to face.

• student

~50% of student population uses them, unlike many of the other expenses foisted upon us, and they doesn’t cost that much. On the other hand, people could start hoarding. Give it a trial week or two, maybe?

• student

No female should ever have to suffer due to the inaccessibility and high prices of these products.

• student

I think that access to basic feminine products should be a right of all students as these products are a necessary part of life and one cannot simply choose to avoid menstruation and hence not access the products. Additionally, there are few places near/on campus where it is possible to purchase pads/tampons conveniently, at a reasonable price, and in reasonable quantity.

• student

It’s a basic necessity and should be considered a right for all women.

• student

Just as you would need a napkin to eat, in dire situations having or not having a tampon either prevent or allows you to go on with your day.

• student

I am very supportive of this referendum. Tampons and pads have a luxury tax, which puts a financial strain on, specifically, those who NEED them with a lower SES. These items are a necessity to a large portion of our student body and should be supplied by our university.

• student

Pads and tampons are a necessary hygienic component in a female’s life. It is unreasonable and unfair that they are not provided for free while many other hygienic product that benefit both sexes are free. Biasness should not exist on campus and this is just form of biasness that needs to be rid from Cornell. I fully support the need for free tampons and pads and hope that the Student Assembly will too.

• student

I fully believe that Tampons should be free at colleges. If condoms are free when sex is a choice then tampons should be free because women don’t have a choice.

• student

it is as necessary if not more necessary than toilet paper, which is universally provided- this should be too

• student

Menstruation is an impediment that no female has control over. We cannot go through our academic lives without tampons/pads every month, but that is not a necessity that we asked for. It is a necessity that society demands from us because women, despite our monthly inconvenience, are expected to compete and function with men, who do not suffer from this inconvenience. If society demands this from women, as we are needed for society to function, then women should receive support from society with a free supply of standard tampons/pads. I understand having to pay for high quality tampons/pads, but the standard form of tampons/pads should be available to us, free of charge. We should receive support to LIVE as equal beings if society NEEDS us to be equal beings even when we have an unfair impediment.

• student

I am entirely in favor of seeing this new referendum instituted. There is no clear reason not to provide ladies with tampons/pads - this is something every single woman on campus will need throughout the years. This university is incredible when it comes to supplying condoms. With the precedent being set that every student deserves free condoms, I feel that it’s clear that every female student deserves to be comfortable while she is here on campus. We can help ensure comfort by supplying campus bathrooms with tampons/pads that are free for use.

• student

They should be in the case on an emergency, or deemed necessary to a female student who doesn’t have one at hand.

• student

Take a moment to really imagine what it’s like to have forgotten pads/tampons and be in the bathroom bleeding.

Tampons cost effort, not money’ ”not compared to the finances of feeding, housing, and educating of 22,000 students.

Let’s put in the effort to avoid that horrid situation.

• student

These things are of vital necessity to women on a highly time-sensitive basis. This is equivalent to providing toilet paper free of charge in restrooms. When you need it, you need it. No questions. I cannot fathom why this wasn’t implemented at the same time as free toilet paper in public restrooms on campus. (A very, very long time ago)

• student

Pads and tampons should not be restricted

• student

I agree that pads and tampons should be available free of charge on campus as it creates huge convenience for everyone who needs them.

• student

They cost too much and I like the idea of having them available in case of emergencies.

• student

Pads and tampons are a necessary product for approximately 50% of the student population. Providing them would be a step towards increasing hygiene by ensuring that those that have a menstrual cycle, be they ciswomen, transmen, or other, always have access to menstruation flow protection, as well as reducing the anxiety that this time of month often causes due to the potential for unexpected changes to the menstruation cycle. Those that oppose this measure either do so for ideological reasons, in which case they will not be affected by the implementation of this policy (as they would not need to use tampons or pads), or for financial reasons. In the case of financial concerns, while there may be an ostensibly unbiased reason for not providing pads and tampons, it is a policy choice that would negatively target a specific population. If Cornell can afford purchasing nonreusable plates, cups, and utensils to avoid wasting water, it seems likely that there is enough flexibility in the budgeting to allow for free access to tampons and pads.

• student

being on your menstrual cycle is unavoidable and annoying. as women at Cornell, we have enough going on in our lives already and not having to worry about buying feminine products (which are all overpriced on campus anyway) would have a huge positive impact on us.

• student

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE_1KjHvuAk Simply watch the TedTalk by Nancy Kramer, Free the Tampons. She first changed this at MY school growing up and is working on freeing all tampons everywhere. No one has those ancient artifacts called quarters anymore. Tampons and feminine care products should be there for those times that we have an emergency. Have no shame and free the tampons already.

• student

Tampons are a vital part of a woman’s sexual health and it would be helpful if they were available free of charge.

• student

There should be no price tag on a woman’s body and services pertaining to her bodily needs

• student

I think that pads and tampons are a necessity not a luxury. Therefore, Cornell should provide these necessities for their students.

• student

It’s the right thing to do and Cornell can definitely afford it

• student

TAMPONS

• student

Feminine hygiene products are not a luxury but a necessity. To place a price on them, no matter how low, limits options for those unable to afford them on a frequent basis.

• student

We deserve to have access to our products in times of crisis caused by natural bodily functions

• student

It is a basic woman’s right. It is discriminating against women. Why is Cornell so cheap?

• student

I support the referendum to allow pads and tampons to be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus.

• student

There is no reason why women must be charged to access a sanitary item on campus like toilet paper or napkins. Tampons are no different.

• student

Students of any gender identity should have access to pads and tampons free of charge. There is no reason to charge biologically female students for sanitary products they need because of the way their body functions. Pads and tampons are not luxuries; they’re necessary for half the student population.

• student

its good

• student

Women do not have a choice about their menstrual cycles, and so they should not be charged for them.

• student

Pads and tampons are necessary for basic sanitation. We do not ask students to provide their own toilet paper in bathrooms, because (I assume) the ability to wipe waste from your body is seen as a basic hygienic need for people. Similarly, the need to maintain a clean body during your period is a hygienic need — because people are not provided with free tampons or pads in bathrooms, people have increased vaginal infections.

Especially given that periods are highly stigmatized and discouraged from talking about, people are often too embarrassed to ask for a pad or tampon when they get their period, especially if there are males around. I personally feel very uncomfortable asking for a pad from someone unless we are very close, and even then, I will often not ask if there are people I’m not close with nearby. While we can’t simply remove the stigma against periods, we can make pads and tampons more accessible so people don’t have to put themselves in situations where they either have to embarrass themselves or put themselves in unhygienic situations.

And while some people can afford to spend money on the pad/tampon vending machines (which are very frequently empty), others cannot. Thus, charging for pads/tampons in restrooms on campus will not only discourage some people from taking the measures they need for good hygiene but also outright prevent others from being able to have good hygiene.

Regarding the issue of tampons or pads being offered in all bathrooms: this is necessary as not all people on their period are women. There are men who have periods, and forcing them to go to the women’s bathroom to get pads or tampons is unacceptable.

Pads and tampons should be a basic hygienic right, like toilet paper in bathrooms. As such, it surprises me that we even need to hold a discussion on if they should be freely distributed in all public restrooms on campus. I sincerely hope that this referenda will bring a much needed change to the Cornell campus.

• student

Menstruation is a biological phenomenon. It would be amazing if, like toilet paper, pads and tampons were recognized as a physical necessity, and I honestly think that people would be happy enough about having them available for free that they wouldn’t take advantage of the University’s generosity.

• student

If they give out free condoms they should give out free tampons. It’s a health product.

• student

I believe it is necessary to have pads and tampons for free in all the bathrooms on campus as they are a basic health and cleanliness necessity. As periods can be unexpected and tampons and pads rather expensive, I think that it is important to have them available in bathrooms for emergencies and for those who have trouble affording them.

• student

Because women shouldn’t have to pay for a necessity.

• student

This should be an absolute yes

• student

I believe this implementation would be a good thing for students who possibly cannot afford to by tampons in convenient stores. I also think it would be good for students who do not necessarily have change on them to purchase a tampon in the bathroom in the case of an emergency. Having tampons free of charge in bathrooms would allow for students to always have a back up in the case of a emergency.

• student

I frequently find myself in a panic as I have started my period in the middle of class and do not have a tampon.

• student

It’s hard being a woman and having to carry tampons/pads everywhere. Sometimes, I forget to bring them and have an emergency, and - needless to say - that’s not so fun.

• student

I think it would be a great move and would be fantastic for the public image of the university.

• student

If condoms are given out for free and sex is optional, tampons should be given out for free because a girl cannot control when she gets her period.

• student

Pads and tampons are a necessity for all women who get their periods, therefore it should be made available everywhere.

• student

Access to basic hygiene should not be contingent on sex, race, socioeconomic class, or anything of the like; access to basic hygiene should be a right.

And yet, when universities—institutions supposedly committed to the welfare of their students—charge female students a fee for tampons/pads, they make that right a luxury. When universities make sanitary products inaccessible or unaffordable for female students, they increase those very students’ risk of missed classes or vaginal infection. Menstrual care, while not often treated as such, is just another facet of proper healthcare. And healthcare matters. More importantly, the thousands of affected students matter. So for those students, students like myself, I stand in full support of this referendum.

• student

Tampons and pads are necessary bathroom items, like toilet paper or paper towels, which we don’t expect students to both buy and carry around. It is also an important symbolic issue and I think that providing free tampons and pads will help reduce the taboo of talking about periods (this is 100% unsubstantiated, but I hope it’s true).

• student

I think that Tampons and Pads should be available in bathrooms used primarily by women.

• student

Absolutely. This is a no brainer. They would be very useful for half of Cornell’s students!

• student

Having free tampons and pads in bathrooms would make it much more convenient for people.

• student

Women shouldn’t have to pay for feminine products for reasons which they cannot control

• student

It is a necessity for women. However, it should be regulated.

• student

Feminism :D

• student

Periods are something that all people with uteruses have to deal with, and unless they want bloodstained clothes, pads and tampons are a necessity. Making people pay for them, especially in the heat of the moment (which is when they would need them, for example if they forgot their own), seems to take advantage of something that cannot be controlled.

• student

yes tampons snould be free yo

• student

I agree with this statement.

• student

Don’t see any harm in it

• student

Yes. The availability of pads and tampons is addressing basic human needs in the same way as the mere existence of bathrooms.

• student

Any decrease in stress is valuable.

• student

I believe that pads and tampons should be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus.

• student

They are a hygiene item as essential to women as soap or toilet paper. If these items are provided, pads and tampons should be as well.

• student

yes.

• student

Pads and tampons should be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus.

• student

Pads and tampons are a basic necessity that should be available to students in need of one. Condoms are available for free where sex is a choice whereas the menstrual cycle in women is not a choice, rather a biological essence of the female sex.

• student

Condoms are free, but you choose to have sex. Tampons aren’t free, but you don’t choose to have your period.

• student

Women have to pay large amounts of money to function in society. Without tampons/pads women would have to sit on toilets for a week straight. If you go to the right place, you could find condoms for free. Why not feminine products?

• student

Tampons and pads should be available free of charge as they are far from a luxury. The presence of these in the bathrooms will have no negative affect on anyone meanwhile providing benefits to many women everyday.

• student

It’s an issue faced by half the population and it feels like a human right.

• student

This is a necessary step in ensuring the health and well-being of our female staff and students here at Cornell. As is, the current coin operated dispensers in only select bathrooms do not work properly. Many are empty but you do not find out until after it has taken your money. Many of them do not even accept money because that mechanism is broken. In addition, most students today do not carry around coin money so how can you expect students to rummage through their purses/backpacks/bags to locate coins to get a tampon or pad with - especially in an emergency situation.

By providing free pads and tampons to the female population on campus, Cornell is making a strong statement about their support of women’s health.

The free condoms that are provided through Gannett are a great step in that direction, but they are affiliated with an optional behavior that students do not have to take part in if they do not want to. Periods are not an optional behavior. They are a healthy and normal bodily function. Lets treat our female students who naturally have to deal with periods that we support their health and respect their bodies.

• student

Outside of birth control, periods can’t be controlled- they’re not voluntary, making dealing with them a necessity. Pads and tampons are required. Likewise, using the toilet is a necessity, and everyone requires toilet paper. No one expects people to bring their own toilet paper into a public restroom. Toilet paper is already provided for free, so shouldn’t pads be, too?

• student

While I personally carry tampons and pads I’ve bought on my own, I think it would be a great way to help women who may not have the money for tampons at a particular time or who may have started menstruating suddenly and don’t have access to tampons at the time. I also think that by providing free tampons to women, the Student Assembly would be doing their part in reducing the stigma of women and menstruation and recognizing that tampons are a right, not a privilege or a luxury.

• student

They should be allowed because they are not a luxury, but rather a necessity.

• student

If condoms are available free of charge to all students on campus, there is absolutely no reason why pads and tampons shouldn’t be free. In fact, it is ludicrous that condoms, which are associated with voluntary sexual behavior, were offered to the Cornell community before pads and tampons, which are necessary due to women’s involuntary menstrual cycle.

• student

Cornell (as well as life in general) moves at a very fast pace. Girls don’t always remember to pack tampons or pads in their backpack, or have time to go back home and get some.

• student

Feminine products are not a luxury. They are a necessity.

• student

I am for free pads and tampons.

• student

Women should not have to pay for tampons and pads. We should not be shamed because we don’t have one with us.

• student

I believe tampons and pads should be free on campus because they can be very expensive. If there were to be an emergency where I need one right away, it would be nice to know they are right there for my convenience.

• student

YES! Periods often come unexpected and are unavoidable as a woman. You cannot help having a period and having tampons/pads (free) would be extremely helpful in restrooms. Condoms are free, yet you choose to have sex. Tampons are not free yet you cannot choose to have your period.

• student

I am highly in favor of having pads and tampons available free in all bathrooms.

• student

Female hygienic products are very expensive. Such an economic load puts women, especially students from a lower economic class, at a disadvantage compared to men. This cycle aggravates gender and social economical disparity.

• student

This is a fantastic idea!

• student

Condoms are free in multiple places on campus. Tampons which are a neccesity, should be.

• student

Women don’t choose to have their periods. If you want an inclusive and open environment where everyone can feel comfortable and thought of, you will provide pads and tampons in bathrooms for any girls who accidentally leaked or have not brought a pad/tampon!

• student

Having a period is a biological occurrence that happens to all women whether or not they can afford the resources necessary to continue on with their daily lives while menstruating. We should support women by allowing them free access to tampons and pads so that they can continue contributing to the wellbeing of our community.

• student

nothing is worse than not having money and needing a tampon.

• student

It saves the embarrassment if one forgets to bring tampons and dirties one’s clothes.

• student

Cornell University is an educational institution, first and foremost. This is probably why the university likes to pride itself on creating a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment where it’s students can learn. Because when you remove factors that can be a distraction to the students, it allows them to focus and perform excellently academically. That being said, the availability (or lack thereof) of tampons and pads still serves as a distraction for the students who need this resource. Only benefits can arise from students being allowed to focus on their schoolwork and improving their experience at Cornell as opposed to having to focus on a completely natural process that occurs for the majority of the population. And, of course, people are going to have their preferences for brands and particular tampons and/or pads so students will probably still buy their own. But the piece of mind a student can have knowing that should they forget their tampon in their Residence Hall or should they not have time to go out to buy a pad when needed, they can always swing by the nearest bathroom and continue with life as normal is invaluable. And a mind at peace is a mind that can and will do great things.

• student

Providing tampons free of charge across campus would provide all females with the reassurance of this important toiletry and the comfort that goes along with having this safety net when unprepared.

• student

I am HIGHLY in favor of pads and tampons being made available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus. These products are not merely luxury items — all women who menstruate need to use these products. As someone with irregular periods, it would be reassuring to know that should I forget to bring or run out of tampons, there would be some available to me in any bathroom I use.

• student

A pad or a tampon is a necessity for females. Since water is a necessity and everyone is able to drink water for free from a water fountain, we should be able to get pads and tampons for free in public bathrooms.

• student

It would only be right.

• student

Female students should not have to pay for something that is a standard for living.

• student

I don’t expect to be handed all the tampons I would need for the rest of my time at Cornell… but it would be nice to know that there would be some in the bathrooms if I ever forgot to bring some with me.

• student

Tampons and pads should be free! They’re a necessity not a luxury. There are many times I’ve run out of tampons in the week and have to go out of my way to buy more.

• student

I believe that people should have access to this because money is not always available to people, and it is a part of basic hygiene. I hope this will pass!

• student

Tampons and pads are required for health and should be free.

• student

Half the student body, in addition to being stressed by everything else at Cornell, has the additional stress of having to pay for pads and tampons, which are really expensive on campus, as well as the pain and inconvenience of periods themselves. Also, there is nothing worse than going to the bathroom, realizing you have a surprise period, and not having quarters with you, and having to wait in your stall until some nice person comes into the bathroom who can help you out.

• student

I’m asked numerous times if I have an extra pad and/or tampon on me, it would save a lot of trouble for when I don’t.

• student

This would be convenient for people who get their period unexpectedly, and need quick access to hygienic products without the hassle of having to go buy them from a store which may not be near.

• student

The women and female-bodied individuals on campus should have free access to these necessities. It is not only an overdue courtesy, but is also a long-term show of public respect for the female body. Menstruation is a natural occurrence which deserves to be acknowledged and supported, not shamed, ignored, or hidden, and least of all economically exploited as such.

• student

My health fee should go towards this.

• student

Tampons or pads are neccessary for female hygiene, just as toilet paper and soap are.

• student

This is greatly appreciated by the female student body and also contributes to gender equality so that women are never in a situation where they feel embarrassed about their womanhood. Thank you.

• student

Pads and tampons should be available free of charge because it is a financial burden for some people and they should be easily accessible in cases of emergency.

• student

This is a wonderful use of Cornell student funds. 50% of the student population would benefit immensely

• student

Sanitary pads and tampons are a necessity for women on campus and should be readily available at all times.

• student

They should absolutely be available! Pads and tampons are a necessity.

• student

I believe that pads and tampons should be available in every bathroom.

• student

I believe access to pads and tampons are a fundamental medical need. Policy makers in the US have long deemed tampons and pads as non-essential items, yet these play a critical role in the lives of womyn on campus. As a medical necessity, these products should have less financial barriers, so that all students are able to meet their daily medical needs without added cost.

• student

Tampons are not a luxury item. For many women they are a necessity. As a community, Cornell should provide its female student body with these sort of nece

• student

Tampons are a basic necessity which should be provided like toilet paper.

• student

I am in favor of providing free pads and tampons.

• student

It is common sense to provide women with these basic necessities in every bathroom on campus.

• student

When you are on central campus and unable to go back to your dorm on North but need these products, this would be a good option to have available.

• student

It’d be a great initiative!

• student

Periods are already shunned upon in society. Girls hides tampons in their sleeves or even blush when they buy pads at the store; allowing this free access to pads and tampons in bathrooms will alleviate this negative stigma.

• student

Tampons and pads should be free for students and available in all bathrooms

• student

Menstruation should not be something people have trouble affording.

• student

I support referendum #30 because women should not be exclusively taxed or expected by society to have this expense solely based on the fact that a woman’s body is functioning as it should. Menstruation is something that is physiologically healthy and necessary. The female sex has been taken advantage of financially and it should stop, beginning with free tampons and pads on this campus.

• student

pro

• student

Yes.

• student

Yes yes yes!!

• student

Tampons are just as necessary as toilet paper for women. People choose to have sex and condoms are provided free, while women do not choose to get their period, yet have to pay for tampons. Its a natural process.

• student

Just like the process of eliminating waste from our bodies, menstruation is also a natural process. Providing pads and tampons is the same as providing the toilets and sinks. Women shouldn’t be charged for products that help keep basic hygiene and sanitation during their menstruation.

• student

Yes

• student

Tampons and pads should be provided in bathrooms for all students because they are just as necessary as toilet paper.

• student

Pads and tampons should be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus.

• student

As a female and user of tampons, I am completely in favor of having free tampon dispensers in the bathroom. Having free dispensers would make it so much easier for girls who are having a bad day and don’t have enough tampons or girls whose periods unexpectedly strike. I think it is a great idea to provide free tampons to students in the bathrooms if their situation calls for it. Thanks!

• student

Women should not have to be embarrassed of their body or its natural functions. Some cannot afford pads and tampons or may not have one with them at the moment they need it. Having free pads and tampons available in all restrooms on campus would mean women do not have to roll up tissue paper in times of need.

• student

It seems to be a reasonable hygienic decision.

• student

I agree that Cornell should supply these sanitary supplies

• student

I am in favor

• student

pads too!

• student

Definitely! It literally is like discovering a murder when you find out you don’t have a pad and your period came.

• student

tampons should be available just as toilet paper and other sanity items are! there’s nothing worse than getting an unexpected period or forgetting a tampon and not having a quarter then having to text 10 friends just to find a feminine hygiene product on campus. it distracts and takes time away from more important things

• student

It sucks having to have your period in the first place, but to have to pay for tampons to remedy your period sucks even more.

• student

Not every woman has a regular cycle, nor the financial means to always be stocked to the brim with feminine hygiene products. I speak from personal experience and often wait until I see a sale until I stock up and just ‘make do’ with what I have. This would ensure all women, no matter their situation, do not have to go without a basic essential need. It’s miserable enough being ‘gifted’ with a monthly cycle, having a no stress, no worry cycle would facilitate lighter menstruation (because of less worry and stress) and increase body positivity. Without this access many women including myself often have a ‘oh god its here, not now’ attitude. Additionally, sometimes you just run out and have no cash on you. (Had that happen and I had to use toilet paper, which is VERY uncomfortable as I do not live on campus.) Additionally, not everyone is comfortable enough to ask a classmate for a tampon because America tends to make this kind of stuff, hush hush when really it’s a natural body function and should be treated as such. Just like pooping and peeing. Do you see bathrooms without toilet paper being offered for free? Nope. Would it take long to stock the machines? Nope. Just open the top and plop in a bunch of single use tampons. They have to filled anyway *shrugs*. Anywho, yea, this would be awesome! Even on the pill this stuff takes us unexpectedly and it sucks! It really makes focusing on your classes hard when you’re literally siting on a two inch pillow of toilet paper. Thank you for hearing my views.

• student

I think there is a need for pads and tampons to be free of charge to students.

• student

Pads and tampons should be provided in all bathrooms.

• student

I believe pads and tampons should be available free of charge to all students in all campus bathrooms

• student

They are as necessary as toilet paper.

• student

Women should not pay for the cost of health and hygiene for something that every woman experiences. We don’t pay for toilet paper….why would we pay for tampons?

• student

I believe both pads and tampons should be available. I grew up in culture that mainly uses pads, not tampons. These pads are very expensive in the United States, so I end up filling a very large area of my luggage with the pads each semester. Having pads and tampons available for free shows that the university care about women from various backgrounds, and will make us feel more welcomed. If the university implement this project, we can all be proud that Cornell is at the forefront toward equality of all people.

• student

Feminine products are necessary for women to be productive in a clean, confident, worry-free manner. They can also be expensive and sometimes inaccessible especially to financially strained students. Providing students tampons and pads in bathrooms creates a more welcoming, caring, environment can could enable women to spend more time on campus and/or allow them to focus on their work better without worrying about where they can find a tampon.

• student

That would be really helpful! I also wouldn’t mind paying the $0.25 if the tampons were better quality. Also there should be free pads.

• student

I think that many people can forget about the limited access within this community at Cornell. Though there are tampons and pads available in Gannett and places like Jansen’s Market and 7/11, these are often overpriced and in small quantities. Not every student can afford the time and bus fare to purchase things at Wegmans, Walmart, or some other supermarket, even though buying feminine products at these other locations would be cheaper and have more options and larger quantities available. Cornell should take care of their students with lower access and make these products available in restrooms around campus.

• student

yes

• student

yes I believe this should be a reality

• student

Why should any girl have to go through the embarrassment/inconvenience of not having a tampon when they need one? It’s an easy fix to put tampons in the bathroom. I don’t know why this hasn’t already happened or why it even needs to be voted on.

• student

Absolutely! This would be such a great connivence for female students and help them to avoid any uncomfortable situations. Cornell doing this would have an extremely positive impact!

• student

They are not luxury items and are essential for every menstruating person. Adding a cost to these items disables people who either have financial barriers, or just aren’t carrying money from using something that is so essential to living our daily lives. The school should provide these items to students free of charge.

• student

These products are essential to the health of human beings. If it’s a necessity, then it should be free. While sadly not all basic human rights are freely supported due to an objective lack of resources, this to me is a clear step towards equality.

• student

Pads and tampons should be available free of charge in the bathrooms at Cornell university.

• student

I have always found it unfair that in almost every other building on campus I can find access to free condoms, but if I run out of feminine products I have to send out a mass text to all of my female friends and hope they have spares or pay around $11 for overpriced tampons at the Cornell Store.

• student

As a well-funded University with the means and mission to meet the healthcare needs of all of its students, providing feminine hygiene products at no cost is an issue that should have been addressed decades ago. I am glad to be a part of the movement to fix this injustice now.

• student

Sometimes, you go to the bathroom and are totally not expecting Aunt Flo to come in but of course, she does. Assuming you do not have your backpack to get quarters, you need to go back out, rummage through your backpack for quarters and then go back in which really is an obstruction.

Considering again that most people make most of their transactions by card and are paperless and they do not carry spare tampons, then they’re stuck with a period and no sanitary products.

Finally, not everyone is able to easily afford sanitary products. So free sanitary products will help alleviate the burden on people in need.

Providing free pass and tampons in the bathroom will help prevent future embarrassments if someone is in desperate need.

• student

Why are women forced to pay for things that we need while condoms are given out everywhere for free? Women don’t chose to have periods while people chose to have sex.

• student

Feminine products are necessary in all bathrooms for those who may have none or can afford none.

• student

Toilet paper is provided. Pads and tampons are just as necessary to females as these basic sanitary necessities are. If toilet paper was not provided, imagine forgetting to bring toilet paper to the bathroom. Then imagine having to walk out and ask around for toilet paper. This feeling of mortification becomes the norm for many women. Complimentary provision of pads and tampons can ease the anxiety women feel during their menstrual cycles.

• student

I state that pads and tampons should be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus.

• student

This would really be of benefit to the female population at Cornell. If free condoms are given away to promote safe intercourse (which is a choice), tampons and pads should be given away free of charge to women because mentration is not a choice! Both are equally important and deserve equal support.

• student

If pads and tampons were free in all bathrooms on campus I would have access to them if I got my period unexpectedly. If I wasn’t carrying a pad or tampon on me, and wasn’t carrying a quarter to purchase on from the current machines I would be out of luck. If I was rushing to get to a pre-lim or a final and did not have time to buy one or get one from a friend I would be put in an unfortunate uncomfortable situation. This could affect my performance on the test I would be about to take. I would be worried about my period, and possible stains showing through my clothing, rather than focusing on the test itself. I might even be tempted to skip the test or show up late while I was out finding a tampon/pad. Also if pads and tampons were provided for free I would feel that Cornell University really supported women’s health and wellbeing. Basically all women born biologically as women get their period on a monthly basis. I think that is a safe generalization, not taking into account personal health differences or other medical factors. So if Cornell University provided free tampons and pads I think that would shine more of a positive light on periods. This would make periods appear to be more accepted and normal than they are currently. There is a negative stigma associated with periods even though its such a normal physiological event. This free access to pads and tampons is a symbol that Cornell acknowledges periods, accepts them, and wants to support women on this campus.

• student

Trans people who menstruate don’t have to worry about carrying tampons on their person.

• student

Pads and tampons are essential for female hygiene. They should be free already! This is like asking if toilet paper should be free to all students.

• student

Pads and Tampons should be provided free of charge just like the hygiene items such as toilet paper, and condoms being provided free of charge for students in bathrooms.

• student

Yes because many times periods come at unexpected times for women our age. Also, if a woman was to forget to bring a tampon or pad with her - or she did not bring enough - she should not be inconvenienced by having to go home or having to buy tampons or pads during the day.

• student

There is, of course, the concern of abuse and that students will take more than the allotted amount.

However, in emergency situations, the stress of looking around for a coin in an age where so many people just carry plastic should not even be a consideration. Women inevitably must deal with this stressful situation, something men will never understand, and offering pads and tampons in emergency situations free of charge seems like a minor gesture of empathy towards what has the potential of being a highly stressful situation and what HAS been a stressful situation for many women.

• student

Pads and tampons should absolutely be provided free of charge to students in all campus restrooms. Menstruation or periods are a natural and unavoidable monthly occurrence for half of the world population, and for half of the Cornell population. Women on campus must deal with their periods every month and need essential supplies such as pads and tampons. We don’t require people to bring toilet paper when using public/school restrooms, and this is provided to users, as it is an essential product. Tampons and sanitary pads are also essential during a woman’s period, and should be provided in a similar manner, for free. Making tampons and pads available only for a charge is essentially forcing women to pay for a bodily function they cannot control. All women deserve access to basic sanitary products without having to pay for them. Other essential bathroom products are provided free of charge- toilet paper, soap, paper towels, urinal cakes, etc. without a second thought, so why should women be singled out and forced to pay for another essential bathroom product?

• student

I’m female and often times find myself in need of a tampon while at school. Most times, I didn’t have enough change to purchase a tampon, therefore they should be free and available for us.

• student

Pads and tampons should be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on Cornell campus.

• student

Tampons and pads should be available for all students in bathrooms on campus.

• student

Pads and tampons should be available on campus for free because they are already overpriced and its also something that is not a choice for women to go through menstruation. It should be available free of charge just as toilet paper is for using the bathroom regularly.

• student

It just makes sense. These items are a necessity to a large part of our student population. Making pads and tampons free in the bathrooms is just one step towards breaking down barriers for women.

• student

Pad and tampons are a basic necessity, so they should be provided to all students who need them, much like toilet paper is.

• student

They are an essential need for woman and should not a ‘luxury’.

• student

Yes.

• student

Pads and tampons should be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus

• student

Tampons need to be distributed because females are not responsible for what occurs in their body. The fact that Cornell hands out free condoms and lube (just so people can have safe AND optional fun) and not tampons is sad.

• student

This is a public health right

• student

Women do not choose to have their period. It is not a conscious decision to have one. It is in the same realm of hygiene as having toilet paper in restrooms.

• student

Pads and tampons should both be available.

• student

Yes. So much yes.

• student

Tampons and pads should be provided

• student

Pads and tampons are basic human needs for women and in a student environment, especially when we spend $60,000 a year, having access to these basic human needs is essential. Although I see it more of an ‘emergency’ situation than a reliability, the idea is that in case one forgets to bring their tampon or something, that they are not left scrambling and needing to ask people or pay for a tampon.

• student

Pads and tampons should be available free of charge in all bathrooms on campus

• student

Pads and tampons should be free of charge for students because the university should not be taking advantage of the fact that women need these necessities constantly.

• student

Yes. I think a lot of the times, students do not have spare coins on them.

• student

Would be better for female students

• student

These are basic necessities for life as a person with ovaries and a uterus. It is not a luxury, it is not a splurge; access to these items should be considered a right because every single menstruating person on this campus and in this world NEEDS them in order to maintain health and daily life. The fact that this campus allows free access to condoms but does not do the same for these items is ludicrous. People do not have to have sex and can use other methods if they do. Some people, however, physically require pads/tampons to make it through one week a month for almost their whole life. These things should be free and accessible to all who need them.

• student

The campus provides the male population with free condoms for safe sex. Tampons are a necessity for hygiene, they should be readily available and free of charge.

• student

It’s quite fair!

• student

It makes sense to give out free pads/tampons if we give out free condoms. Sex is by choice but periods are mandatory.

• student

Yes because women cannot dictate whether or not they get their periods and tampons are pretty expensive so it leaves poor women with no access to tampons

• student

Will be affordable for women

• staff

tampons and pads should definitely be free.

• student

In our libraries at Cornell we have free tissues. In our dining halls we have free hand sanitizer. In our bathrooms of Willard Straight we have free condoms. However, we still lack one thing: free tampons and pads for all students. We have so many basic health products for free here already, but there is a blatant lack of free tampons and pads. The average woman spends about $120 on tampons and pads a year. Over the course of 4 years at Cornell that is $480, which could have been spent on books, supplies, or food. Cornell has long been a progressive university, it is time we do the progressive thing and make tampons and pads free for all students.

• student

Of course they should. Women have periods. It’s inevitable. It would be so helpful to not have to worry about starting a period in class and not having anything at the time to stay clean (though I would think this goes without saying). It’s such a basic thing that I don’t understand why we don’t have this already. We have access to free condoms but not emergency feminine hygiene products. I think there’s obviously something wrong with that. To a woman who unexpectedly starts her period, these things are as important as the free toilet paper that comes in every stall. Please don’t make this issue more complicated than it needs to be. You know it’s a reasonable request.

• student

Biological cycle we cannot control. Should not be forced to pay so much money every month.

• student

It is critical that students be able to access supplies without which they would have great difficulty being a successful student. The question of free may need to be decided later but I think it is essential these supplies be accessible across campus.

• student

Pads and tampons should be free because it is a bodily function that we cannot help

• student

There are so many times when I’m in need of one and don’t have one

• student

I’m completely against charging students for things they cannot control; feminine hygiene should be encouraged with free products

• student

Access to basic health resources for women is so important! For example, women in prison make less than a dollar, not even enough money to buy pads.

• student

Tampons cost more than a burrito at Chipotle!

• student

I believe that they should be available to students free of charge, but it should be greatly limited. If it is not limited, students will depend on, and most likely abuse, the right to have these free tampons. Maybe if we swipe our ID to receive 1 pad/tampon, and the max is about 2 pads/tampons a day, that would be best.

• student

Free tampons should be available.

• student

As a young woman on the campus, it is great misfortune when not only am I stressed out by schoolwork but I also get a nice visit unexpectedly. Free tampons in every bathroom would be a great way for Cornell to add just a bit of comfort in the every day lives of women on this campus.

• student

While I fully support their introduction, just be warned of potential abuses in terms of students taking more than necessary for purposes not related to tampons.

• student

Pads and tampons are necessary hygiene items and should absolutely be provided.

• student

Yes they should provide them for free.

• student

I think that feminine hygiene products should be available free of charge to students because not only is carrying around quarters for them inconvenient but I also find it hard to make my way to target and I feel as though ordering them online is impractical.

• student

Yes! I never have change on me, and it’s difficult to walk all the way down the slope with paper towels as a substitute just to get a pad from my room when I’m caught off guard or when I run out of pads. It would be incredibly helpful.

• student

Menstruation is not a choice, therefore access to these products should not have to be. As a woman I do not consider feminine sanitation products to be luxury items, but rather necessary provisions. Especially considering the fact that I am on the Cornell Aetna health insurance plan, I think access to tampons and pads would be a great idea and logical service to the female student population at Cornell University.

• student

All women should have access to pads and tampons when necessary

• student

Pads and tampons should be treated like necessities rather than luxury items, therefore Cornell should provide these items free of charge.

• student

It would be nice to have access to tampons when you run out or realize you don’t have one with you and you don’t have quarters to get some from the bathroom.

• student

n/a

• student

Most people don’t have change on them and if their period starts and they didn’t know it was coming they shouldn’t have to potentially embarrass themselves in public when they can’t find a pad or tampon.

• student

I believe that tampons should be free in all bathrooms on campus. They are extra expenses that males don’t have to take care of, yet they are a basic need for all women that experience menstrual cycles at this university.

• student

I’m not sure that tampons and pads should be /free/ in all bathrooms on campus, however they should definitely be available. I’ve been caught with my period on campus unexpectedly before, and it’s frustrating that few of the dispensing machines in the bathrooms are stocked. This leaves students with the options of asking a friend for pads/tampons, heading back to their dorm room for their own, or running to the store to buy some - all of which are fine unless you have somewhere (class, meeting, etc) you need to be… What is the point of having dispensing machines if they are all empty? Perhaps consider having a stock of free pads and tampons in Gannet for those who need them, and make sure machines are stocked (pay or free) in every bathroom across campus. That’s a good place to start.

• student

The idea that menstrual products are a luxury is antiquated. When you’re on your period, tampons and pads are as necessary as toilet paper, so it would be a great help to students if these could be provided in bathrooms free of charge. After all, periods are unavoidable. Sex isn’t, and Cornell already provides condoms and lube packets free of charge in Gannett Health Services.

• student

Of course it should! If condoms are given free of charge, then so should tampons/pads! Girls do not CHOOSE to menstruate, and the campus should make their lives easier. As there is free toilet paper there should be free tampons/pads.

• student

Pads and tampons should be free for students.

• student

The menses is something that simply cannot be avoided and can begin at any time. Enabling those who have periods the convenience to take care of their bodies should be a sincere goal of this university. The only way to fulfill this goal is to provide pads and tampons without cost in a convenient place.

• student

Tampons and pads should be available free of charge throughout bathrooms on campus

• student

If the university can supply toilet paper as necessary resource for unavoidable bodily functions as well as condoms for chosen activity, it should supply tampons/pads for unavoidable body function

• student

Because emergencies happen and I don’t carry quarters with me, I usually just have my Cornell ID and a credit card.

• student

If condoms are provided in the health center for free, tampons and pads should be provided in bathrooms for free.

• student

Ability to access female hygiene products is another factor that creates a divide between students from different backgrounds. Cornell can help level the playing field between all students by helping provide pads and tampons, a fundamental need for 50% of the student body.

• student

We do need tampons because sometimes we might have our period randomly when we are away of our dorms and it’s weird to ask strangers for pads or tampons.

• student

I am pro having pads and tampons free or charge in all bathrooms

• student

I believe that women should have access to free tampons and pads. Campuses still fail to recognize that accessibility to these products shouldn’t be a privilege. If men are given the option of not having to pay for condoms, women should be given the option of free tampons and pads.

• student

I believe that pads should also be available free of charge, as not all females use tampons.

• student

Tampons and pads are as much a necessity as toilet paper. They should be provided free of charge to prevent anyone from not having access.

• student

Yes, women should not have to pay for their own paper goods such as pads or tampons to take care of their periods (which they cannot control or eliminate in all cases). These goods should be provided just as toilet paper and paper hand towels are provided to help with other personal needs.

• student

I never carry quarters

• student

i am for this

• student

Tampons are lit

• student

I believe that pads and tampons should be provided at no cost in all student bathrooms. As a woman, I know that it can be incredibly costly to buy these things each month and it would relieve a financial burden for many women to have access to these.

• student

Feminine products are a huge and unavoidable expense for women - one box of tampons usually costs about $10, which can be impossible for low-income students. Providing tampons & pads free of charge will help half of the entire student body, but most importantly, low-income students who struggle to cover crazy-high expenses at Cornell/in Ithaca.

• student

Whereas condoms are recommended for sex, tampons and pads are a necessity for all girls on a monthly basis. Finding condoms around campus is a fairly easy task, but finding tampons for girls is quite an ordeal. For many girls, getting tampons or pads is difficult due to lack of convenient transportation or limited resources. This can cause a lot of stress especially if periods come earlier or later than expected as these uncertainties can lead to a very stressful ordeal for many students. Pads and tampons around campus would ameliorate these issues and help an enormous amount of the student and faculty population.

• student

All bathrooms should have these products because hygiene, especially feminine hygiene, is a basic human right. To deny this right is to rob women of both their ability to take care of themselves anywhere on campus, and their ability to feel comfortable while on campus. All bathrooms, regardless of their specified gender, should have these products as well so that people of any community can feel safe and comfortable while using his/her preferred bathroom on campus.

• student

I believe female sanitary items such as tampons and pads should be available free of charge as they are a necessity for well being. If one does not carry around change, one might find themselves in an unpleasant situation if their period arrives unexpectedly.

• student

Tampons are not a luxury good because there was no option in deciding whether or not to menstruate. Therefore, I should not have to pay for something natural that I cannot help but have. It is far from a luxury good - it is a necessity.

• student

We pay an insane amount of money to attend this University, and as a result may of us do not have much in the way of extra funds. Although I am male, I find it ridiculous that more than half of our student body should have to spend extra money to deal with basic bodily functions.

• student

In favor

• student

pads and tampons should be free because equality.

• student

Follow Brown’s example

• student

Hygienic assistance for women is paramount to a healthy student body. I see no cons to this referendum and high returns.

• student

Women have many more expenses than we do, and I think it would really make a difference to them if they were given tampons.

• student

Doesn’t make sense to have free condoms and not free pads..

• student

I believe tampons and pads should be made free of charge on canpus.

• student

They should absolutely be free. I believe this generally, not just at Cornell. Tampons and pads are something that are required to exist as a female in this world. It should be a human right. Cornell should acknowledge that and allow for students to have access to them free of charge.

• student

Female hygienic products are a right not a privilege

• student

Tampons and pads are not luxuries. If some universities provide condoms, then Cornell should provide tampons and pads.

• student

I am in favor of tampons being available free of charge to students in the bathrooms. However, I believe these tampons should be restricted to the women and gender-neutral bathrooms due to the possibility of them being tampered with in the men’s bathroom and the low possibility of women going into the men’s bathroom to get a tampon.

• student

Because I believe this service is an essential one that should be available to all students.

• student

It is a universal part of women’s health and should not be considered a luxury.

• student

Yes

• student

Yes, they should be free of charge.

• staff

Yes because it is easy to get your period unexpectedly and not have anything with you to use.

• student

People shouldn’t have to pay for something that is a necessity.

• student

Products regarding health of people who menstruate should be free

• student

I think that this would make cornell really progressive and news worthy

• student

Some people cannot afford or sometimes do not have tampons accessible

• student

Women should not have to spend extra money on something that is forced upon them.

• student

There’s free condoms everywhere you look, why shouldn’t there be free tampons?

• student

I think pad is also necessary!!

• student

Female hygeine is a human right*

• student

Pads and Tampons should definitley be provided free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus. It is unbelievable that women should have to pay for such a necessary item that helps ameliorate a natural bodily function.

• student

I affirm the resolve.

• student

If condoms should be provide for free at Gannett the same access should be available for pads and tampons on campus.

• student

This will prevent some uncomfortable waddling home.

• student

This is a no-brainer. This is feminism, this is necessary, this is equality.

• student

Pads and tampons are like toilet papers to females. Cornell doesn’t need to provide the best pads and tampons for free in all bathrooms; those of decent quality should do the work. In addition, I believe most people will only use the free ones in an emergency, so the cost should not be of much worry.

• student

Tampons and pads should definitely be available free of charge to all students in campus bathrooms. We are in 2016 it’s about time. Many universities have already made it an official thing for the past few years now. This is a no brainier.

• student

Pads and tampons should be avaible free of charge to students

• student

Yes they should!

• student

In favor of free tampons

• student

Female students need this for sanitary purposes. If the school provides toilet paper, it seems reasonable to provide tampons as well.

• student

Equality

• student

Pads and Tampons are essential to women’s health. I have spoken to many female students about times where they get their period and are unprepared, the stress and embarrassment it causes, and often it results in students skipping classes to return home to get them. Additionally, since many students do not necessarily carry quarters on them, it is difficult to obtain access to the dispensaries on campus.

• student

If condoms are available free of charge, tampons and pads should be available free of charge. Sex is optional, menstruation is not.

• student

Girls don’t choose to get their periods

• student

Pads and tampons should be available in all bathrooms on campus. It just makes sense.

• student

It’s a necessity!

• student

All students should have access to tampons and pads despite gender identity.

• student

Having to buy tampons places an unfair financial burden on female students when coming to an institution such as Cornell. In order to make Cornell a truly inclusive place, it is important that these women are able to access health care. Tampons are incredibly expensive, and cause an immense undue burden that is often not considered in health care discussions. Moreover, condoms are free, and tampons are more necessary to community health than tampons are.

• student

In my opinion, pads and tampons are equivalent to toilet paper. If toilet paper is provided, why aren’t pads and tampons provided as well?

• student

Tampons and pads are essential to a women’s confidence in her bodily changes. She shouldn’t have to be worried about getting a pad or a tampon when they’re readily available and no judgement is given because all men and women know about Mother Nature.

• student

Condoms with given to males free of charge throughout campus, meanwhile females must pay for a basic hygiene product.

• student

Access to tampins are important for women’s health

• student

condoms are free so why aren’t tampons?

• student

Most people do not carry coins nowadays, so charging people with coins defied the purpose of the tampon/pads as an emergency reservoir.

• student

They need not necessarily be of the highest quality or of high quantity, but I think people will generally not abuse the privilege if you provide it, since sanitary napkins are very useful in emergencies, such as if one is about to go to an interview or other important event.

• student

For an uncontrollable, unavoidable bodily function, it’s ridiculous to not have any assistance

• student

Basic female hygiene necessities should be made available free to all female students on campus. Tampons and pads are not a luxury but rather are necessary for female students, especially for those who may not have immediate access to any in an emergency.

• student

There shouldn’t even be a conversation regarding this. I feel that free tampons are a matter of basic dignity. Nobody should have to worry about where to get one, and if a university with a 6 billion dollar endowment won’t be expected to provide them, who will? Again, a matter of basic human dignity.

• student

Students deserve free access to necessary feminine products.

• student

Let’s deininstitutionalize the practice of paying for an involuntary bodily function. It’s great that free condoms are available, shouldn’t tampons and pads be available too?

• student

This is a matter of hygiene and health and would make students feel more comfortable going with their periods if they have constant access to the necessary supplies.

• student

Free feminine products are the way to go!

• student

Tampons and pads should be free in all women’s restrooms. A woman’s menstrual cycle is a natural phenomenon out of her control so pads and tampons should be free. Half the population should not have to spend a significant amount of money for something that is completely natural.

• student

I am in favor of free sanitary products for women.

• student

Tampons and pads are fundamental sanitary products. Much in the same way toilet paper and soap and provided in bathrooms on campus, so too should students have access to tampons and pads—products that are not luxuries but rather necessities.

• student

Most all females still go through their menstrual cycle while in college and tampons can be expensive and inaccessible during for them. The university providing this resource is just as justified as the free condoms it provides for its students.

• student

Pads and tampons are necessary hygiene products, just like toilet paper or soap. There are not luxury items students should have to provide for themselves. No one should have to go without one if they forget extras in their dorm or are unable to buy them themselves.

• student

They should be available and free of charge students.

• student

They have free condoms in bathrooms, so they should also have free feminine hygiene products also. Also, feminine hygiene products are necessities that sometimes people forget.

• student

At a low cost, peace of mind and quality of life can be improved for a significant amount of students by reducing the frequencies of hygienic emergencies and (perhaps) feelings of helplessness.

• student

I support this motion

• student

There are many reasons why this would be a good thing for women on campus and many arguments that can be made on a political compensation basis, but if the solution would be to raise tuition for this implementation rather than using the institution’s corporate money, then I absolutely vote CON.

• student

I am pro free tampons.

• student

A girl should feel comfortable going to campus everyday without the worry of forgetting a tampon and having to rush back home or miss class because they don’t have a stupid quarter to put in the machines.

• student

Menstruation is not a choice, and these products should not burden biologically female students in any way. Providing these necessities is a hygienic necessity just the same as toilet paper and hand soap. We should not be treating pads and tampons differently than any other sanitary products provided in bathrooms just because they only apply for a minority population.

• student

They should be the mass produced, cheap tampons for only emergencies. However, they would be very helpful.

• student

Women should not only be exempt from the economic burden of purchasing pads and tampons, but should also be spared the social embarrassment of carrying these products to and fro between bathroom trips! Why should we be discriminated against in addition to an uncontrollable, terrible week!?

• student

Yes

• student

Pads and tampons are a costly out-of-pocket expense that people must pay for every month. Regardless of financial status or gender, students should be able to access these necessities when they need to.

• student

It is a basic necessity

• student

Yes, it should be a basic right for women to have these essentials especially on campus where they are often financially cash strapped. Moreover, in the case of emergencies it would allow them to not face public embarrassment amongst their peers.

• student

Women need to be able to access hygiene products such as tampons and pads if they are not on their person, free of charge. It is a natural process of life that only women face and we cannot control it. Therefore, women should not have to pay for them in the bathroom.

• student

Long overdue

• student

Yes they should be available.

• student

With all the money we pay for tuition, we should have access to sanitary products. They are necessities, not luxuries, and for people struggling to afford them, this could make a huge difference.

• student

Tampons should be free of charge in public bathrooms around campus. Having free tampons on campus will only make Cornell a more accepting institution.

• student

Why do girls need to pay for something that should be given for free if they can’t afford it or forgot to bring one?

• student

Periods are not a choice, women should not have to pay for them.

• student

Pads are not just nice to have. They are necessary sanitary products, much like toilet paper and napkins. Of course they should be available.

• student

I think this is a great idea! It would definitely prevent any embarrassing moments for women on campus!

• student

Tampons and pads are a necessity for all female students. Providing them free of charge would eliminate a good deal of financial burden. In the interest of women’s health, tampons and pads ought to be provided for free just as condoms are provided free of charge by a variety of on campus sources.

• student

Absolutely necessary for women

• student

I believe women should not be subjected to the cost of an unavoidable, biological occurrence. The price women pay for their period over their lifetime is unbelieveable and unfair compared to the costs that men have to face.

• student

Women don’t choose to menstruate. Tampons and pads are basic hygienic needs. Pads should be offered as well, considering that not all women can use tampons.

• student

Because condoms and lube are provided for free, but not basic hygiene products. They should be provided in all bathrooms because of the numerous co-ed or unisex restrooms on campus, and because people identifying as male or using men’s restrooms may also get periods.

• student

it would be very much appreciated

• student

I’m in favor of this!!

• student

Saving girls social humiliation and discomfort

• student

Absolutely they should be. Birth control for women should be just as accessible as birth control for men.

• student

I think providing tampons and pads for free in bathrooms would be a huge step forward for Cornell and their promotion of gender equality on campus.

• student

Pads and tampons should be available for free in all bathrooms on campus.

• student

Women should absolutely have access to these products.

• student

I think both tampons and sanitary pads should be available in bathroom either free of charge or at a subsidized cost. I see it as an essential step to support people who have long busy days and deal with menstruation.

• student

Pads and tampons are a basic need for students with vaginas on campus. They should have access to such products without needing to carry around loose coins or using archaic vending machines (which, for the most part, don’t work) when such machines aren’t required to use paper towels, toilet paper, soap, or access to mirrors or running water in the bathrooms.

Moreover, students with vaginas may identify as either male or female or may need to enter a men’s or women’s (or single-stall, gender-unspecified, or handicap-access) bathroom; so all bathrooms on campus should be equipped with pads and tampons and disposal bins for said pads and tampons.

I expect opponents to this idea will claim that students should plan ahead by loading up their backpacks or bags with pads and tampons at all times. This plan doesn’t work for several reasons. One is that the student can assume that she has enough supplies in her bag to last her the day, but has overestimated or misremembered how many pads or tampons she has placed in her bag. Another is that students may suffer from hormone disorders, may start antibiotics or new medications, may move in with other female roommates or may experience stress during prelim season. All of these factors can influence their cycles and cause their periods to become irregular or come at different times than expected, which is when easy access to pads and tampons in bathrooms on campus — instead of running all the way back to North campus or into Collegetown — would be extremely helpful.

• student

Tampons and pads are a necessity for a significant portion of the student body.

• student

Cornell gives out condoms for free, why not tampons and pads.

• student

Pads and tampons are a necessity, not a luxury. As a necessity, it should be treated as such.

• student

This is a necessity in the female population, not some luxury item as it has sometimes been defined as in the past.

• student

Pads and tampons should be available free of charge in all the bathrooms on Campus

• student

It will be more practical and will promote safe sex

• student

Of course!

• student

N.a

• student

Yes, while menstrual products are not items one would depend on public bathrooms for, menstruation is something half the population cannot prevent and sometimes cannot prepare for.

• student

Being that the menstrual cycle is part of the biological processes of a body that has a uterus, sanitary napkins and tampons should be made available in all bathrooms.

• student

I believe that pads and tampons should be provided free of charge for several reasons, but a prominent one is that we offer condoms completely for free, yet periods are a lot harder to prevent than sex. Allowing women to be more comfortable as they go about their day dealing with normal biological functions is something worth working towards.

• student

Tampons are a necessity for women and shouldn’t have a cost attached to them.

• student

Pro

• student

Pads and tampons are not luxuries; they are added expenses for members of the female sex. Females should not have to absorb added costs simply due to the embryonic, 50–50 chance of an X-containing sperm fertilizing the egg instead of a Y-containing sperm. Men and women, at conception, had an equal chance of being conceived as the other sex.

Further, Cornell offers free condoms. Sexual intercourse is a choice. However, menstruation is not; why should women have to pay for these choices, choices we did not make?

• student

I believe that pads and tampons should be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus.

• student

It’s a natural phenomenon and the school should provide the students with pads and tampons just like they provide the toilet papers

• student

Why not?

• student

It should be a thing

• student

Yes they should

• student

If we have free condoms, which are available for sex which isn’t a necessary act for literally every person, we should have free tampons and pads, since most college cis-gendered woman bleeds every month, and definitely not by choice.

Brown, another Ivy League institution has begun the practice, why shouldn’t Cornell?

• student

Yes, because condoms are widely available to males and women should equally have tampons provided, seeing as they are significantly more necessary than condoms.

• student

The university allows access to free items such as condoms and popcorn to students, so it seems that there should be free access to sanitary products as well, for the health and safety of all students on campus. Sometimes the need for a pad or tampon comes up unexpectedly, and having some available would be a great relief to students who would need one.

• student

Females shouldn’t have to pay a monetary price for being a woman.

• student

Yes!

• student

Tampons should be available if condoms are available.

• student

I believe they should be free since condomns are given out

• student

I’m pro

• student

Its a basic essential and other universities provide them.

• student

I like this. I think it’s fair.

• student

I am in favor of Cornell providing free pads and/or tampons in bathrooms.

• student

Yes, please!

• student

Tampons are a basic necessity

• staff

I am in support of this referendum.

• student

Menstruation is not gender specific. In addition people should not have to pay for something necessary to perform every day activities. Free pads and tampons should be a right to everyone

• student

Condoms are available free of charge, so tampons and pads should be as well because all three items are health items. Additionally, tampons and pads are not items that are optional for most women.

• student

Pads and tampons should be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus.

• student

I, Maci Prescott, believe that tampons should be available on campus in emergency situations.

• student

.

• student

I see few negative drawbacks

• student

Tampons/pads should be provided free of charge because with the luxury goods tax on tampons and the general high cost/stigma surrounding these items, it would benefit the greater Cornell community if all students who menstruate had access to these items at any time.

• student

Pads and tampons are a basic necessity, and all women should be entitled to feminine hygiene products on campus, especially since they are so costly, yet such a necessity.

• student

This is very important

• student

Toilet paper is free so

• student

When the student realizes she is bleeding and she has no quarters (who carries quarters around these days?), she is forced to line her underwear with tissues. This is a very ineffective method and if she has class, she has to sit through class with just some tissue to prevent her from bleeding through her clothes. We can prevent this by providing free tampons and pads. Women won’t take more than is required because she knows they will always be available.

• student

There’s no reason why people who have periods should be forced to pay for something they have no control over. Even if you don’t agree with modern feminist ideology, you can at least agree that this is a public health issue that has gone overlooked for too long.

• student

It is something that I believe that all women should have available to them. Why not make them as comfortable in the bathroom as can be. Putting a cost on something that can be crucial to a girl is not right and should be made free.

• student

There’s nothing worse than going to the bathroom and seeing that your period has started, but you don’t have any pads or tampons on hand. So you have to ask a friend, or acquaintance, or even stranger to let you have one, or you rush home to get some or to the store to buy some, hoping that the aftermath on your clothes isn’t too terrible, or at least not visible.

Free pads and tampons are a must. Providing them in all bathrooms is also a must, as people who are not cisgender female may use other bathrooms according their gender identity.

• student

Pads and tampons are important health products. If we can afford to provide condoms, another important health product catered to men, then we should be able to provide tampons. This shouldn’t even be controversial.

• student

Women’s health shouldn’t be dependent on economic circumstance

• student

There is no situation in which this would be a bad thing.

• student

Pads and tampons are a basic sanitary need for women, such as soap and paper towels. They should be available free of charge.

• student

This is a necessity that all women should be provided free of charge on campus.

• student

Just as toilet paper is a necessary item in bathrooms, so are feminine products. Every woman, myself included, has been in an emergency situation, in which we need a feminine product and one has not been present. Similarly when there is no toilet paper one must either rely on the generosity and kindness of others, or be creative, but, to be blunt, you can’t survive a two hour lab with just the creative use of a giant wad of toilet paper and paper towel. For the good of all menstrating Cornellians, pads and tampons should be available free of charge in all bathrooms on campus.

• student

Yes. Condoms are available everywhere for free, yet pads and tampons are rarely available and cost money. Sex is a choice, but menstruation is not. I therefore agree with this referendum and believe these products should be provided free of charge.

• student

Tampons and pads should definetly be free in all bathrooms because especially in the age of growing technology (apple pay and credit cards) people don’t always carry change with them. It is a horrble experience to be surprised by your period and to not have an outlet to get pads and tampons. Considering that many people have brand preferences I don’t think that free pads and tampons would be exploited especially because those tamponss and pads are extremely cheap and generally only used for temporary relief.

• student

I’m unclear if we are also referring to men’s restrooms and this is a transgender bathroom issue. But in the case that it is not and only refers to women’s restrooms then I say it would be a lovely addition in the case of emergencies. I think women generally have a preference for which brand of tampons/pads they use in addition to absorbency preferences so even if they were provided free I would tend to bring my own in my backpack. But in the case of an emergency, for example just beginning a period for the month, it would be a good cushion to have. I think the machines that require a quarter to receive a tampon are outdated and if the university has the funds to provide these feminine products free it would be greatly appreciated.

• student

i agree

• student

I have so many bad experiences and would love this to happen.

• student

I strongly believe that our school should vest itself in providing free tampons to students in all bathrooms on campus. Other comparable schools have begun to do so, I believe it is time that Cornell caught up.

• student

Yes

• student

If you have an emergency, there should be pads and tanpons easily accessible for every girl.

• student

YES

• student

Girls should not have to sit uncomfortably through a lecture or prelim when they are caught without any quarters or feminine hygiene products of their own while on campus.

• student

if there are free condoms for preventing pregnancy then there should be free tampons for having safe sex

• student

Tampons are a necessity for women as much as toilet paper or paper towels. However, because they are just for women they have traditionally not been provided like the other items. This is wrong and discriminatory. Cornell offers condoms and lube for free. Why not tampons? Sex is a choice. Menstruation isn’t.

• student

Tampons and pads are a necessity.

• student

pads should also be provided.

• student

I believe that tampons and pads should be provided to all students, free of charge, in all bathrooms on campus.

• student

Condoms are paid for through the health fee, and menstruation products are also for sexual health, so they should be available equally

• student

Pads and tampons should be free so that female students do not have to worry about not being prepared for their periods.

• student

The school provides condoms for free, why not tampons? And brown has done it and do we really want brown to be more progressive than we are? Yeah, didn’t think so.

• student

In the interest of unbiased subsidies for sexual health products for both sexes, I support (pro) Referendum #30 regarding free pads and tampons in campus bathrooms.

• student

Sounds like a great idea.

• student

Every person that experiences menstruation should have the right to access free sanitary items

• staff

Statement reads ‘students’ but my question is one of logistics. How would you be able to administer this to only ‘students’ as faculty, staff and visitors are on campus all the time. I would recommend the following, ‘to all women’

• student

Pads and Tampons should be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus.

• student

I believe the issue of not providing tampons and pads in bathrooms on campus is an issue of sexual discrimination. Females should not be required to pay for products that are considered necessary for hygienic health. At the same time, if these products are not available, females are subjected to not only public shaming and embarrassment, but could also suffer from health issues (like TSS) without these products readily available. Thank you.

• student

As a female, there have been several times where I need a pad or tampon and am unable to find the money to buy one; this referendum would greatly help with that problem.

• student

Tampons are basic necessity and feminine hygiene should not be a choice.

• student

Women’s sanitary products are a right, not a luxury item. They should be free.

• student

Yes it is definitely needed because there are many times when girls are not ready and lack of pads.

• student

It seems illogical that condoms are given out for free, while pads and tampons are not. Condoms are needed because girls have periods and can potentially get pregnant. Girls should have access to pads and tampons for free as well.

• student

I believe that all students should have free access to pads and tampons in bathrooms. The access to pads and tampons is a health service in the same way that students have access to free condoms at Gannett.

• student

Having pads and tampons for free in bathrooms will he very helpful.

• student

Condoms are free on campus so I don’t see why tampons shouldn’t be. Sex is a choice but periods aren’t.

• student

This is a basic necessity for females, and many students struggle with paying for quite an expensive item. The university would be helping many of the students on campus if free pads and tampons were available to all students.

• student

Pads and tampons should be available for free in all bathrooms around campus. Periods are a natural thing therefore women should not be charged for having their periods.

• student

Should these items be available in ALL bathrooms? (i.e. Men’s bathrooms?)

• student

If we are going to give out free condoms at Gannett, it seems that providing free pads and tampons in an accessible space would be right as well. It does not hurt anyone and helps address a need. Also, it does not harm males to offer these products in the men’s room but infinitely helps people who identify as male and menstruate. I’m not going to walk into the bathroom, see a display for these products and then die or faint or something. There is literally zero harm here.

In terms of funding, I also see this as a non-issue. If every single woman on campus used only these free feminine products for the scholastic year, it would cost the university around $1.1-$1.3 million per year (these could be completely wrong statistics, so disclaimer these are just my calculations). Obviously, females on campus would not be sourcing all of these products from school bathrooms. Let’s say they sourced a 4th (still sounds high?) of their products from restrooms. This would have the school spending around $300k on the initiative, which I believe is completely worth-while compared to some of the other things we waste money on.

• student

They should be provided for free.

• student

tampons/pads are more of a necessity then condoms.

• student

Toilet paper is available… why shouldn’t tampons be?

• student

It would be obscene if toilet paper was not available in all school bathrooms, and tampons aren’t much different - they are a basic physiological necessity for over half the school

• student

Passing this referendum will make life easier for the female population on campus, and reduce the shame and anxiety that many (myself included) feel when on their period.

• student

Tampons and pads are not a luxury they are a necessity.

• student

I believe that pads and tampons should be available to students on campus because menstruation is a biological thing that all females must deal with each month and are unable to control. It is not only sexist but it is unjust that free condoms are available on campus when sex is a choice but periods are not.

• student

Toilet paper is free all around campus and is used to store bodily waste to be later thrown out. Pads and tampons serve the same purpose, so these items should be included as essentials to public restrooms.

• student

Pads and tampons should be provided free of charge in university bathrooms.

• student

I think it would be nice to have them.

• student

This should be a right

• student

This is absolutely an important topic which needs to be addressed. Why should we allow companies to take advantage of a problem that affects nearly every woman in the world against their choice?? A well known feminist author, Jessica Valenti, states that Sanitary products are vital for the health, well-being and full participation of women and girls across the globe. In the United States, access to tampons and pads for low-income women is a real problem, too: food stamps don’�t cover feminine hygiene products, so some women resort to selling their food stamps in order to pay for luxuries’� like tampons.Women in the UK are fighting to axe the 5% tax on tampons (it used to be taxed at 17.5%!), which are considered luxuries’� while men’�s razors, for some baffling reason, are not. And in the US, though breast pumps, vasectomies and artificial teeth are sales tax-exempt and tax-deductible medical care, tampons are not even exempted from sales tax in some states (including California and New York, two of the most populous states). But this is less an issue of costliness than it is of principle: menstrual care is health care, and should be treated as such. But much in the same way insurance coverage or subsidies for birth control are mocked or met with outrage, the idea of women even getting small tax breaks for menstrual products provokes incredulousness because some people lack an incredible amount of empathy … and because it has something to do with vaginas. Affordable access to sanitary products is rarely talked about outside of NGOs ‘ “ and when it is, it’�s with shame or derision.

In 1986, Gloria Steinem wrote that if men got periods, they would brag about how long and how much’�: that boys would talk about their menstruation as the beginning of their manhood, that there would be gifts, religious ceremonies’� and sanitary supplies would be federally funded and free’�.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/aug/11/free-tampons-cost-feminine-hygiene-produc

• student

It would be incredibly helpful to young women in college to have tampons available whenever they might need them. We do not always carry them on us for emergency occasions, so knowing they are available in public restrooms on campus is an enormous relief. Students already have enough stress as is, what with prelims and essays… not to mention the stress of menstruation. The stress of controlling menstruation symptoms should be removed at least.

• student

I believe that all women on campus should have access to this necessity regardless of their financial status.

• student

The aforementioned items are necessary items for hygiene. By going through with this referendum, the University would not only provide this obviously necessary service, but also set a precedent.

• student

It would make women more comfortable knowing that in case they are unprepared one day they do not have to spend the day ruining their clothes (which can happen if there pads/tampons are in their room and they do not have time to go grab them). Also it can be awkward asking others for pads/tampons.

• student

This will prevent the horrors of not having any hygiene products when you get your period unexpectedly or run out of supplies.

• student

Tampons and pads are an expensive part of being a woman. College is already expensive enough, making woman buy pads and tampons when the university is seeking more of a profit is unfair and sexist.

• student

Just because we are women, shouldn’t mean we should have more expenses. We are students too living on a student budget.

• student

If we have the means to make tampons and pads free, than they should be. Girls don’t ask to have their period every month. Many times, we forget our pads and tampons at home and we don’t always carry coins with us, so it would be very convenient for them to be free on campus.

• student

Its insane that they are still not free of charge.

• student

I do think tampons should be free.

• student

I believe this is a great initiative that will translate to a better learning environment for female students. Many times, I have forgotten a tampon at home and did not have change to buy one, so I had to run back to my apartment to change, causing me to miss portions of classes. This initiative will reduce stress and worry for female students on campus.

• student

They should obviously be available, strange that they aren’t already

• student

1

• student

I believe this is a basic necessity for all females on campus. I support my fellow Cornellians and this is a cause that believe in!

• student

Cornell should do it’s part as a trendsetter/role model for other institutions to make tampons and pads a basic amenity.

• student

Tampons and pads are necessary for half the student population; they should be free and available for those students

• student

The amount that people who menstruate have to pay for pads and tampons is almost like a punishment. We can’t help it that we are bleeding uncontrollably and are in pain so why should we have to pay? Some people can’t afford the price it costs, so to force them to is unfair.

• student

It is a disgrace this is not already the norm. If anything is to be funded, an effort such as this (which has the potential to benefit students directly, on a daily basis) should be made a priority.

• student

Pads and tampons should absolutely be available free of charge to all students.

• student

Tampons are necessary to all girls who have periods. We are already busy enough and saddled with expenses. Having free tampons saves money and time.

• student

Good

• student

Pads and tampons hsould be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus.

• student

In favor: pads and tampons should be available free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus?

• student

It is an important and necessary product

• student

Pads and tampons should definitely be available free of charge in all bathrooms. People who menstruate know that the cost of hygiene products can be overwhelming at times, this initiative would really help to ease this financial burden. In addition, many other universities have shown that this initiative is possible and successful; Cornell should definitely join these other institutions and show that it is committed to caring for members of its community.

• student

Women menstruate evert month as it is a natural and for most unpreventable natural bodily function. If condoms got sex (an optional act) are able to be provided for free then why shouldn’t basic necessities such as tampons also be provided for free? Should we start a campaign to free bleed all over campus in order for our needs to be addressed ?

• student

Yes, feminine products should be available free of charge.

• student

I believe that along with tampons, sanitary napkins should also be included as well.

• student

I support making pads and tampons free to students in bathrooms. There’s a ridiculous tax on these necessary items, and it’s unfair to women everywhere.

• student

I am for this. Cornell is wealthy enough that the costs are marginal and the benefits outweigh them.

• student

Go for it

• student

I fully support this decision

• student

Do I want to live in a world where women constantly have to think about tampons? No.

• student

Sexual health and feminine hygiene are things that should be universally accessible to those who want and need them. As long as they’re placed in appropriate locations (e.g. Gannett, women’s rest rooms, etc.) then there’s no reason to not have essential feminine hygiene products available to students.

• student

It is ridiculous to expect females to pay for something they have no control over, and force them to find other, less clean methods of protecting themselves from their period if it comes unexpectedly. I absolutely believe they should be provided for free, and I fell there can be some way to regulate their distribution per student if cost is an issue.

• student

If there is free toilet paper and paper towers provided in bathrooms, there need to be free tampons and pads.

• student

Seems like common sense

CON

• student

Put them in womens’ bathrooms, I don’t care. Don’t put them in mens’ bathrooms—that’s a slippery slope.

Maybe instead of complaining about the lack of free tampons for yourselves, why don’t you raise money to bring tampons to parts of the world where they LITERALLY cannot afford them, let a lone to put food on the table. If you’re complaining that you cannot afford to spend the same amount on one cup of coffee PER WEEK, then you are incredibly selfish. Go home and find something real to be angry about. There are MUCH bigger problems on this campus. Academic stress is a REAL problem. The ridiculous tuition here is a REAL problem. This is not.

That’s my two cents. As a fellow student I demand that you respect my opinion, even if you disagree with it.

• student

I think these products should be available in female bathrooms; however, I do not believe there should be any in male bathrooms. If they are available in men’s bathrooms, it could make it very uncomfortable for men because they are not needing those items. I understand that some women identify as men and might use the men’s bathroom, but I feel that if they are on their period, they should use the women’s bathroom at those times. In short, I think it should only be offered in women’s bathrooms so that men do not feel uncomfortable with the presence of women coming in to get sanitary items.

• student

Ideally, I would love to receive free pads or tampons. However, I don’t believe that Cornell can realistically maintain the cost of this service, which will probably require a very pretty penny. As a student, I would rather the money I put into this school go to other services, like free printing, that would help me academically.

• student

The whole notion of students paying for other students health services, especially those that will never use it, i.e. a male like me, is what is wrong with this referendum. While I do not have to pay the roughly $7 a month for tampons and pads, I would never ask anyone to pay for my health expenses. Currently, I would assume most female students can afford this small cost. With this referendum, that cost will now be levied on the other half of the university that does not benefit at all. It is unfortunate if someone cannot afford these basic necessities, and there are millions of women around the world who can’t. But do you see any of those women attending an elite university that costs $60,000 a year? If a student cannot afford something that costs the same amount as 2 cups of coffee a month, then why are they in school when they should be getting a job to pay for things like the rest of the world? I am very blessed to be at a school like Cornell, and thankful to all the people that have helped me get here and continue to help me, including G-d. However, most people in the world don’t get that opportunity. But do they cry about it and whine about not getting free tampons? No, they get off their butts, get a job, and support themselves. Unfortunately, not everyone is privileged to be here. But if you are, then $7 a month shouldn’t be an issue.

The other problem with this referendum is the fact that the tampons will be placed in all bathrooms, including male restrooms. While this decision is being made in order to accommodate those that identify with the other gender, what about the male students who use those bathrooms. Do you not care about how they feel? Personally, I don’t feel comfortable having a tampon dispenser in the stall I am using. But, because I am a white, cisgender male my feelings and opinion don’t matter obviously. When half your student body is potentially uncomfortable with this, things need to be reevaluated.

Thank you for your consideration

• student

People tend to exploit any opportunity they can. It’s not terribly difficult to carry feminine products around with you and, should you get your period and not have anything, you can stuff your panties with toilet paper or find a good samaritan to lend you a quarter. This is one of those things that’s a good idea in theory, but not in practice. Too many selfish people in the world for this to work in its intended manner.

• student

I can buy my own tampons. I’d rather not buy everyone else’s with my tuition money.

• student

Aside from the referendum’�s subject matter, the real problem is the lack of detail regarding how this initiative would be funded and administered.

The cost of feminine products per person per month is roughly $7. At Cornell, there are over 14,000 undergraduates, 5,000 graduate students, and 2,300 professional staff according to the university. Keeping every bathroom on campus stocked with enough tampons and pads for half of this population (not including the men that menstruate) would potentially cost hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Furthermore, would it fall under each college’�s budgetary discretion to fund this initiative, or would Day Hall directly oversee everything?

There is also the issue of students, even those with more than enough means to self-provide, taking extra tampons and pads if they are freely, indefinitely available. Tampons and pads are much more easily taken and stuffed away in a bag than, say, toilet paper or hand soap.

Tampons and pads are not necessary. While they are the menstrual product of choice for most women, there are other reusable options that are far less expensive. A menstrual cup, for example, costs around $35 and can last ten years.

There are alternatives that can accomplish the goals of Referendum #30 without superfluously spending thousands of dollars. Many public restrooms nationwide offer dispensers with tampons and pads for 25 cents, machines that Cornell already has in many bathrooms on campus. Installing these in more Cornell bathrooms would be a much more affordable option that would provide students with a solution to an emergency need.

For those students struggling to afford feminine hygiene products, perhaps the SA could work with Gannett to sponsor a more monitored system where students in need could go for tampons, pads, or the more cost-effective moon cup. While this would still cost money, it is a less costly compromise that would have oversight to prevent those who may take advantage.

• student

I am pro-tampons/pads in women’s restrooms and in gender neutral restrooms, and I am con-tampons/pads in men’s restrooms. As for the latter, I question their utility and the number of students positively affected by putting tampons in a men’s restroom - I would assume not very many, if any at all. It just seems unnecessary.

• student

While I absolutely oppose the luxury tax on feminine products, I don’t believe they should be entirely free, unless more funding is going to be allocated to Gannett and other health-related services on campus to help pay for this cost. As this proposal has no indication of how this will be paid for, I cannot vote in favor of it.

• student

My position: We do not need to provide free pads and tampons to students in ALL bathrooms. Such items would be best allocated in female bathrooms only.

The truth is that the first group of people I considered were transgender women (MTF). But before I discuss the non-binary genders, let me first get some common ground.

Female bathrooms: Obviously, the MAJORITY of people going to female bathrooms are women who have the same gender as their biological sex (heretofore referred to as women as a shorthand). For women, tampons and pads are as natural as toilet paper, so I have no problem allocating these items for women’s convenience.

On transgender women (MTF): This group does NOT have periods. Even after surgery, transgender women will never get a period, at least not with our current technology. Therefore, this group is irrelevant to our discussion.

On transgender men (FTM): 1) Those who undergo HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) will never have periods, either.

2) Those who do not undergo HRT will continue to have periods. I understand this group will usually want to go to male restrooms, because that is the gender they identify with. However, we must recognize this group is a very small slice of the population. According to polls, 0.3–0.5% of the population is a transgender of some sort, so let’s high-ball it and say 0.5%. Of those who identify as transgender (MTF or FTM), only FTMs will have periods. MTFs are about three times more common than FTMs. This means that the majority of transgenders would not need this accommodation in male bathrooms in the first place. So we are dealing with approximately 0.13% of the population. Of this population, some undergo HRT, so the % for whom tampons in male bathrooms would be useful drops further. We are dealing ONLY with FTMs without HRT. Thus, our resources would not be allocated efficiently if we put tampons in male bathrooms, meaning it would be a waste of money.

• student

I believe that tampons should be provided free of charge to students in all bathrooms on campus.

• student

I believe that there are multiple reasons why tampons should not be subsidized, and also find it ridiculous to compare subsidizing condoms at somewhere like Gannett to subsidizing tampons in every female restroom across campus. First of all, saying that sex is a choice doesn’t diminish at all the issue that condoms are very expensive for what they are, and that people are going to engage in sexual activity no matter what, and in large numbers. It is beneficial for both men and women engaging in sexual intercourse for condoms to be readily available. It is only beneficial for women for tampons to be free in bathrooms. Additionally, tampons are much less expensive than condoms, anywhere from 17 to 30 cents per tampon depending on where you’re getting them and what brand you choose, whereas condoms can cost anywhere from $1.20 - $2.00. I imagine one of the reasons why condoms have been made readily available and not tampons is because of this expense, as well as the economies of scale involved in buying condoms in bulk for students. Since condoms are the most common form of contraceptive used by college-aged adults, subsidizing them makes perfect sense, and is explicitly in the interest of the university to reduce sexually transmitted infections/diseases and unwanted pregnancies to improve the quality of life of all students, male and female. Subsidizing tampons and putting them in bathrooms across campus is overall a ridiculous entitlement to provide - it’s an entitlement targeted towards one group of students and also needs a lot more thought if it will be enacted. A detailed plan outlining the associated costs of installing dozens of dispensers and scheduling regular shipments of tampons in bulk is needed for this petition to even be seriously considered. Additionally, as stated earlier, the movement needs a better argument overall than comparing tampons to condoms if it wants to convince the public of the validity of its concerns.

• student

only needed in female bathrooms/gender neutral bathroom

• student

Having the school subsidize more products leads to an increasing cost for students to attend. Although this project may be a relatively small cost to students, where does the subsidizing stop? The school shouldn’t provide other services that aren’t directly relevant or necessary for education.

• alum

The university has no business paying for hygiene products beyond toilet paper and soap, first of all, and second of all, men have no need for these products.

• student

Consider the following statements: (1) It would be nice if there were free tampons. (2) We should force everybody to pay for other people’s tampons. They are not the same statement.

I write for the Cornell Lunatic, a satirical publication. If the real news starts becoming too ridiculous, then there will no longer be any demand for fake news. Vote no to protect the vitality of fake news.

• student

na

• student

Dear Student Assembly,

While I believe that your intensions are good, I feel that your extreme left leaning student activist group does not understand the real campus climate. While you often feel that you are being trailblazers for underresprestented minorities. Ironically enough, almost all under represented minorities are over represented on the SA. Given this I believe you made a critical error when attempting to pass this law. Many male students do not feel comfortable using the bathroom with students with XX chromosomes. Additionally many trans-males likely are uncomfortable using a tampon in the mens room. You are currently making the bathroom an unsafe environment for me. If I saw a person with XX chromosomes using the bathroom, I would not feel comfortable to use the facilities and would leave. Just as a trans-male might feel uncomfortable using the bathroom with females. I (and many other males and females!), do not feel comfortable using the bathroom with people of the opposite sex. Bathrooms should be divided based on sex not gender. Having single stall bathrooms is an ideal solution to this problem. Having tampons in the mens bathroom is not a solution. I think having tampons in the mens bathroom is a huge waste of capital that is not helping many students. The transgender community is fairly small at Cornell. Additionally, I think that tampons should be available for purchase (perhaps $0.50) in female bathrooms. As women complain about female taxes, the reality is that menstruating is a part of a females life. It leads to the perks of birthing children and developing a strong bond. There are many expectations on males to pay for women on dates and in general. While extreme leftist propaganda loves to discuss the tampon tax, in reality it is just a part of a women life. I hope my statement is read in a positive light because I hope that bathrooms will remain a place that I feel comfortable.

Thank You,

[redacted at request of student] Cornell University ‘18

• student

They’re only 25cents, right? maybe more, but certainly not more than $1 in the bathrooms that do have them.

A better way to address the issue, in my opinion, is to lower the price to say 10 cents, so that there is no profit made from their dispense and yet those who need are still responsible for paying for them. I don’t agree with FREE because production and disbursement does incur costs, and it ruins the market when free happens. Free means coming out of our tuition anyway, so it’s not free at all.

And to also make them available in EVERY bathroom across campus, and that they are stocked as soon as needed.

• student

I do not think the university has any obligation to pay for my tampons. Why would they? Just as I don’t expect Cornell to buy any of my other hygiene products. Thank you.

• student

I don’t see a problem with people buying tampons for themselves. Plus, isn’t that unfair for people who use pads or cups?

• student

I believe these products should be available, but not free, perhaps at a reduced price.

• student

I don’t want to pay $70,000 a year for tuition and $15 a meal with my food plan so that the profits can go toward anyone’s tampons, even if it is someone born a girl and still identifies as a girl. Tampons are cheap. Everyone, transgender or cisgender can buy their own toiletries.

• student

Yes, why don’t we make everything free! Free tampons, free food, free college, free everything! That’ll keep those pesky tuition costs down.

• student

We should not offer free tampons/pads. Tuition and fees are high enough as it is and we need to stop adding to the list of things that are given out for free, especially seeing how anything viewed as free gets taken advantage of.

• student

This initiative would put an unnecessary financial burden to implement and upkeep.

• student

con

• student

Pads and tampons should NOT be available free of charge in all campus bathrooms. Personal hygiene is one’s personal responsibility. Are we going to start handing out shampoo and soap next?

• student

1. Is there a demonstrated need for this? Annabel’s Grocery was able to demonstrate need in the student body before funds were provided for a grocery store to address food insecurity. Is there similar demonstrated need for this? This is definitely an issue in prisons and other locations, I just want confirmation that it’s an issue on campus.

2. My experiences with free pads and tampons have been pretty terrible. Organizations that buy them in significant quantities are only able to afford the cheapest brands, which can be pretty unpleasant to use. I have sometimes preferred to just bleed rather than use one of the provided free tampons or pads. Even if they were available, would people use them, or would it just be a waste of money?

• student

It doesn’t make sense to make personal hygiene products free. Why should tamptons be free? If tamptons are free, then should we made everything else free? Some might say that tamptons are necessary hygiene product and argue about the fact that condoms are free. I would like to say that condoms would benefit both sex because they facilitate safe sexual activities, while, on the other side, tamptons would not benefit the male. Moreover, if some people argues the fact that tamptons are necessary, then I would say that we should also make stationary and textbooks free because they are necessary to student. Base on the facts above, I am against the proposal.

• student

An unnecessary expense.

• student

My statement pertaining to this matter is less of an opposition to the idea of this policy but more of a criticism of the lack of information that, to my knowledge, has been acquired and publicized surrounding the issue prior to the vote. In any situation in which a discussion is being had about a given institution providing some good or service for free, it is essential to first be able to estimate the cost of such a provision prior to implementing it. Thus we can determine whether the benefits outweigh the costs or vice versa. I was unable to find such an analysis, and so I am left to provide you with my most amateur and rudimentary numerical analysis of the situation as follows.

Cornell University currently has 21,904 students, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 48:52. Thus, we can approximate that the number of female students would be 11,390. The best statistic for the average price of a tampon that I could find was $7 for a box of 36, at Walgreens. This comes out to be about 20 cents per tampon. Assuming that we wish to provide tampons for each female on campus, and that as statistics show females use approximately 6 tampons per month, the total cost per year would be (11,390 female students)*($0.20 per tampon)*(6 tampons per month)*(10 months a year that school is in session)=$136,680 per year. This is probably an underestimate, due to the fact that I did not include faculty, and not all women can use the same type of tampons so it is possible that a variety would need to be provided (at a greater price). There are other problems with this analysis as well, but I am certain that they are apparent to you.

However, my point is that as far as I can tell, no such analysis has been done to determine how much money this will cost. If the money is not available, tuition will need to rise. If it is available, should it be used for free tampons or put towards other projects like new dorms? Such questions should be considered carefully prior to voting.

• student

Waste of resources to put in men’s bathrooms. Male students will treat as joke

• student

I think free condoms would be a much better idea.

• student

Depends on the quality of the pads and tampons… How much extra will each student be charged for passing of this referenda?

• student

I do not understand why a University should be responsible for funding a hygienic issue that only applies to half of its population. Funding should be used in a way that benefits all students or targets a specific group of students that are significantly in need of funding for a particular reason, i.e. diversity inclusion initiaves. Tampons have always been a personal matter financially and should not be suddenly paid for with other students’ funds who will not receive any benefit for this matter. I feel as though this would be the equivalent of a University paying for toothpaste or deodorant. This matter is simply outside the scope of what University funding should cover.

• student

More than 50 % of the campus WONT use these tampons, and students WILL have to pay for this one way or another, whether its through buying tampons at the store, or having an increase in tuition to pay for these tampons.

• student

It seems expensive, and unecessary.

• student

What is the purpose of this action?

If the purpose is to provide tampons and pads to students who cannot afford them, they should be distributed at residence halls where students can take a large number of them to use during their menstrual period over the course of many days. If you really want to provide for financially insecure students, I know some who plan their days around going to events where they can get free food because they cannot afford meal plans. Or you can create a fund for financially insecure students to be able to buy their textbooks or school supplies.

If the purpose is to help students who find themselves surprised by their menstrual cycle and without appropriate supplies, it would be wiser and more economically efficient to hand out emergency packs on Ho Plaza for students to keep in their backpacks.

If the purpose of this action is to make a statement, then I think this is a waste of money. First, most students will continue to buy their own supplies as they often have a favorite. Second, it is extremely economically inefficient to stock men’s bathrooms with tampons as very few students who use these bathrooms actually need them. In fact, it would likely make these students uncomfortable in the men’s bathroom to get a tampon from a dispenser in front of other students.

I believe the SA should not be wasting time and money to follow this trend when there are more serious issues to address. Frankly, it’s embarrassing that of all the issues we can be addressing as a campus, this one has been the most publicized and supported.

• student

Adding a price will regulate how many people take. If they are free, one person could take all of them.

• student

What is the purpose of this referendum?

If the purpose of this referendum is to provide pads and tampons to those that cannot afford them, then there are better ways to do that. For example, pads and tampons could be distributed for free on Ho Plaza, as is done with condoms. Stocking all bathrooms, including men’�s bathrooms, is a waste of limited resources and an inefficient way to distribute these products.

If however the purpose of this referendum is to make a statement, then this is an inappropriate use of SA funds. The SA should use its funds in a way that make an actual positive impact on the lives of students. The SA should not squander its money on making political, PC, or non-PC statements of any kind.

• student

People should be responsible for their own personal hygiene products. It is not the job of the university to baby and cater to the needs related to women’s periods. Nothing in life is free; there’s always someone on the other line paying for it. I don’t believe my tuition dollars should pay for people’s free tampons.

• student

People should be responsible for their own personal hygiene products. It is not the job of the university to baby and cater to the needs related to women’s periods. Nothing in life is free; there’s always someone on the other line paying for it. I don’t believe my tuition dollars should pay for people’s free tampons.

• student

People should be responsible for their own personal hygiene products. It is not the job of the university to baby and cater to the needs related to women’s periods. Nothing in life is free; there’s always someone on the other line paying for it. I don’t believe my tuition dollars should pay for people’s free tampons.

• student

Cornell shouldn’t be responsible for paying for our tampons. If women don’t wish to spend that much on such products, there are many other reusable, more cost effective options.

• student

As a female, low-income student on campus, I do not think that free products are necessary or a good idea.

• student

People can abuse free tampons and just take unnecessarily large amounts or waste them.

• student

Perhaps in Women’s bathrooms but I don’t think there should be in Men’s bathrooms. Due to the wording of the Referendum, I do not support the petition.

• student

This would not be a good use of tuition, and it’s unfair to half the student population (the males) to have to pay for girls’ hygiene products.

• student

This would not be a good use of tuition money. It is also unfair for the males on campus to have to pay for tampons. Feminine products are inexpensive and having one pay for her own should not be a big deal.

• student

This is an absolutely ridiculous resolution. The fact that this is even brought up for referendum, is just further proof that campuses are bowing to SJW and liberal propaganda. Men do not use menstrual products and maintaining them in men’s bathrooms is an unnecessary use of limited resources. For the few people who are biologically female, but identify as men, there is plenty of female hygiene supplies in female bathrooms. If it’s too hard for them to go into a female bathroom, let them have access to an alternative source of supplies somewhere on campus. But putting it in all male bathrooms is excessive and ridiculous.

• student

Unnecessary.

• student

In every other setting in life, women have to pay for their own tampons. Why should it be any different here?Additionally, I think condoms being available for free is just as bad, if not worse.

• student

You have got to be fucking kidding me. If a biological male is having a period can’t he already identify as a female for that day and use the female bathroom and get a tampon? Furthermore this is ridiculous men don’t have a vagina and don’t fucking bleed out of it what good would a tampon do for some overly sensitive guy crying in the stall??? Give him a tissue this is overly PC bullshit and that’s coming from someone who is fairly liberal

• student

No, but I do think they should be provided for at a reasonable, not for-profit cost.

• student

No I do not believe tampons should be available for students in all bathrooms on campus

• student

I am a women and I do not believe that they should be provided by the school. We pay tuition to attend school to be available to learning resources, it is not the schools responsibility to provide us with pads and tampons.

• student

Unnecessary. This is not something the general public does; why must it be extended to Cornell?

• student

It will be convinient for girls, but presence in guys bathrooms will most likely lead to a waste of them