Feminine hygiene dispensers removed from campus

SACRAMENTO — Addressing budget constraints on every level, California State University at Sacramento has instructed their facilities services department to remove all feminine hygiene dispensers from all buildings across campus, according to the State Hornet.

The decision will save the school roughly $12,000 per year and will eliminate the need for custodians to stock, clean and fix the dispensers that were continually vandalized, the story stated.

Ron Richardson, associate vice president of facilities, said: "We have been providing them free of charge to the university community at a cost to us. But back then, there was no budget issue. I know several campuses have removed them and, in fact, it's always good to find out how other campuses are dealing with various situations. I try to do what's right for my campus."

Several female students have expressed reservations over possible health concerns, but many realize that the dispensers are a luxury, and in these tough economic times, only the bare necessities are budgeted for, the story noted.

Heather Diaz, assistant professor in the department of Kinesiology and Health Science, said: "I think the fact that we even offer them for free is an exception. With all the budget cuts we're experiencing, it's a very small resource to take out. And it's not like they're not available. If someone doesn't wear a tampon or pad for several days, that's a health issue. But if you're just waiting to get to the store and buy one, that's not a health issue."

Click here to read the complete article.