Tim Walz joins Kamala Harris’ ticket

by / ⠀News / August 9, 2024
Walz Harris

Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota signed a law last year that requires public schools to provide free menstrual products to students in grades 4 through 12. The law has drawn criticism from Republicans, who have dubbed Walz “Tampon Tim.”

The Trump campaign has claimed that the law necessitates tampons and pads in both female and male bathrooms due to transgender boys who may menstruate. Karoline Leavitt, a Trump campaign spokeswoman, told Fox News, “Tampon Tim put tampons in boys’ bathrooms, wants men to play in women’s sports, and supports gender transitions for minors.”

However, the Minnesota law does not specify in which bathrooms the menstrual supplies must be located.

Instead, it mandates school districts to develop plans to ensure all students who menstruate can access free tampons and pads. The law aims to address “period poverty,” the inability to afford pads and tampons, which affects about one in four teenagers who menstruate, according to a 2023 report from the advocacy group Period. Girls and women who struggle to afford menstrual products often feel greater levels of stress and shame, impacting their performance at school or work.

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Walz law sparks tampon debate

Minnesota is one of 28 states that currently require schools to provide period products, although not all states supply funding for schools to purchase pads or tampons. The cost of pads and tampons is rising faster than the rate of inflation, adding to financial burdens.

The criticism from Trump’s campaign over Minnesota schools’ free menstrual products is receiving pushback on social media, with some noting that providing free pads and tampons to students could help many perform better in school. Dr. Siyab Panhwar, a cardiologist, commented on X, “Tim Walz passed a law requiring free sanitary products to be available in all schools for kids.

What a monster! How dare we make sure our kids are taken care of!”

About The Author

April Isaacs

April Isaacs is a staff writer and editor with over 10 years of experience. Bachelor's degree in Journalism. Minor in Business Administration Former contributor to various tech and startup-focused publications. Creator of the popular "Startup Spotlight" series, featuring promising new ventures.

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