Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, has recently gained attention as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate for the Democratic presidential ticket. One of his notable achievements as governor was the enactment of a 2023 education law mandating that schools provide free menstrual supplies to students in grades 4 through 12.
This legislation is currently under scrutiny from the Trump campaign, which claims it obliges school districts to supply menstrual products in both male and female restrooms to accommodate transgender boys who menstruate. The hashtag #TamponTim began circulating on social media on the same day Walz was announced as Harris’ chosen partner, August 6.
Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt criticized Walz’s approach, stating, “As a woman, there is no greater threat to a woman’s health than leaders who support putting tampons in men’s bathrooms in public schools.” In an email statement, she accused Walz of attempting to reshape Minnesota to resemble California and made claims regarding his stances on gender issues and sports.
However, the Minnesota law does not delineate specific locations for the menstrual supplies and instead requires schools to devise strategies to ensure that all menstruating students have access to free tampons and pads, according to Lacey Gero, a representative from the advocacy group Alliance for Period Supplies. This group focuses on increasing access to menstrual products in educational and correctional institutions and is advocating for the elimination of the so-called tampon tax.
The issue of “period poverty” is significant, as many girls are unable to afford menstrual products. A study from 2023 revealed that approximately one in four menstruating teenagers struggles to purchase necessary supplies. Gero emphasized that the visibility of this issue is crucial for those who may not be aware of the challenges faced by students regarding access to menstrual hygiene products.
When Walz signed the education bill last year, he declared a commitment to inclusivity, stating that the legislation aimed to ensure no one is left behind. The bill not only allocated $2.3 billion in education funding but also introduced various initiatives, including support for early childhood education and the addition of civics and personal finance courses in high schools.
Critics of the Walz initiative argue that it reflects the ongoing stigma associated with menstruation. Gero highlighted that the inability to access menstrual supplies can lead to significant emotional distress, negatively affecting students’ academic and professional experiences.
A 2019 study in St. Louis found that two-thirds of low-income women could not afford menstrual products, often resorting to unsanitary alternatives. Many reported missing school or work due to lack of supplies, which can contribute to feelings of embarrassment and depression.
Currently, Minnesota is among 28 states that require schools to offer period products, although not all have allocated funds for this purpose. In contrast, a similar proposal in Florida was recently vetoed by Governor Ron DeSantis, blocking funding for free menstrual supplies.
Additionally, the prices of menstrual supplies are rising at a rate surpassing general inflation, creating additional financial hurdles for those in need. Since 2019, tampon prices have surged by 36%, reaching an average of $8.29 per box, while pad prices have increased by 41%. Over the same period, the broader consumer price index has only seen a 21% increase.
Despite the backlash from the Trump campaign regarding the provision of free menstrual products in schools, many voices on social media have defended Walz’s initiative, pointing out that access to these supplies could help students focus better on their education.