The Nebraska State Board of Education narrowly approved a menstrual product pilot program for public schools last week, voting to restrict the products to girls’ restrooms, girls’ locker rooms and nurse or health offices – but not boys’ bathrooms.
The move follows a state law passed earlier this year, which allocates $250,000 for the distribution of menstrual products such as pads and tampons in public schools starting this month. To qualify, a school must have at least 40% of its student body living in poverty.
While the program wasn’t controversial, placing the products became a point of contention.