Shippensburg, Pa – Yesterday, First Lady Lori Shapiro visited Shippensburg University to highlight the university’s new program that offers free menstrual products across campus. She met with students, faculty, staff, and administrators to discuss the importance of the program and learn more about student needs.
“We know period products are a basic hygiene necessity for students all across Pennsylvania – and that’s why we delivered funding to address period poverty in our Commonwealth’s schools,” said First Lady of Pennsylvania Lori Shapiro. “I was grateful to visit Shippensburg today to learn more about this program – which will help move past antiquated stigma, provide essential health products for students, and reduce the trauma and stress of women and girls who don’t currently have access – but do have need – for period products.”
Governor Shapiro is committed to ensuring that students have the necessary tools to succeed in the classroom, which is why he secured $3 million in this year’s budget for menstrual hygiene products at no cost to students in K-12 schools. Last week, the Shapiro Administration announced that all school districts, intermediate units, career and technical centers, and brick-and-mortar charter schools will receive funding to provide free period products to students.
Many colleges and universities in Pennsylvania also provide free menstrual products on campus, however, last month, Shippensburg University became the first PASSHE institution to offer free menstrual products in every woman’s restroom across campus. College students face a unique set of challenges and are often in need of supportive services, which is why the Shapiro Administration is making higher education more affordable for students.
"Shippensburg University is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive community,” said Dr. Charles E. Patterson, President of Shippensburg University. “We are grateful for the chance to share this important work with First Lady Lori Shapiro and appreciate her time in listening to and amplifying student voices."
“The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women applauds Shippensburg University for addressing menstrual equity on campus and taking necessary steps to ensure no one misses class because they could not access a period product,” said Moriah Hathaway, Executive Director, Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women.
"The Governor's Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement is excited to see the progress made by Shippensburg University in providing their students with free menstrual products," said Ruby Mundok, Executive Director, Governor's Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement. “We thank Shippensburg for taking the lead on this program and hope to see other institutions do similar work so that all students have equal access to products.”
Pennsylvania’s young women deserve peace of mind so they can focus on academic learning, attendance, and health. This is an issue First Lady Shapiro has engaged on directly, visiting nonprofits that work to distribute feminine hygiene products in communities and inviting stakeholders to the Governor's Residence. She has also heard directly from young women about the importance of access to these products.
Read more about the Governor’s budget here.