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To: Superintendents, Principals, Charter School Leaders, Business Managers and School Nurses
From: Colt Gill, Director, Oregon Department of Education
Date: June 21, 2022
Re: Menstrual Dignity for Students Oregon Administrative Rules come into full effect on July 1, 2022
Dear School Administrators,
The Menstrual Dignity Act (ORS 326.545) and the Menstrual Dignity for Students Oregon Administrative Rules come into full effect on July 1, 2022. This means that, beginning with the 2022-23 school year, every student bathroom must have menstrual products available.
According to Section 2 of the statute, (2) “Each public education provider shall ensure that both tampons and sanitary pads are available at no cost to students through dispensers located in every student bathroom of every public school building”. Please note that the word “every” replaces “at least two”. Section (1) (c) defines student bathroom as, “a bathroom that is accessible by students, including a gender-neutral bathroom, a bathroom designated for females and a bathroom designated for males.” Furthermore, Section 3 of the statute defines timing, stating that “The amendments to section 1 of this 2021 Act by section 2 of this 2021 Act become operative on July 1, 2022”.
The Menstrual Dignity for Students Rules (OAR 581-021-0587, OAR 581-021-0590, OAR 581-021-0593, and OAR 581-021-0596) provide more clarity around program requirements, including classroom education, bathroom instructions, and product variety. For best practices, resources, and tools for implementation, see the Menstrual Dignity for Students Toolkit and its companion one-pager.
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