Day of Dignity Movie Screening and Announcement of Menstruation Equity for All Act

Submitted by GPSC

Free menstrual products are now available in bathrooms across campus, thanks to the combined efforts of the Graduate Professional Student Congress and the Associated Student Government, which passed the Menstruation Equity for All Act in March 2019.

In honor of this achievement, GPSC is partnering with the Law School and other RSOs for a Day of Dignity on Wednesday, Oct. 30. The event will feature the Oscar-winning film, Period. End of Sentence from 4-5 p.m. in the E.J. Ball Courtroom in the Law School (popcorn and beverages to be provided.) There will also be a drive to collect menstruation products to donate to local schools and non-profit organizations throughout Northwest Arkansas. Help make this drive a success by dropping off products at one of three locations by Thursday, Oct. 29:

• School of Law, Waterman Hall, Room 305-C
• Bell Engineering, 3rd Floor Dean's Office
• Office of Student Activities, Arkansas Union A665

A study commissioned by Free the Tampons noted that 86% of women have begun their periods unexpectedly in public without the necessary products. Prior to the MEA Act, the campus provided products through coin-operated machines in women's restrooms only. Missing classes, labs, and other vital educational opportunities is the natural consequence of not having exact change and/or a properly functioning dispenser. ASG and GPSC have worked with Facilities Management and the Office of the Dean of Students over the subsequent months to put an end to this practice and ensure equal access across campus. To date, Facilities Management is working to ensure that at a minimum, each building has a bathroom on each floor with free pads and tampons.

For more information, contact GPSC President, JD DiLoreto-Hill at gpscpres@uark.edu  or go to gpsc.uark.edu/freetheperiod.

The Graduate Professional Student Congress advocates for the collective welfare of graduate and professional students at the University of Arkansas. The GPSC manages and distributes student activity fees paid by graduate and professional students, represents the common interests of these students, and speaks with one voice on behalf of its constituents. The GPSC seeks to improve the lives, careers and research of all graduate-professional students at the University of Arkansas.

The Associated Student Government at the University of Arkansas is a student-led organization that acts as an organized voice for all students and strives to effectively represent student interest. Questions about ASG can be directed to 479-575-5205 or asg@uark.edu. Associated Student Government is a program in the Division of Student Affairs.

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports students in pursuing knowledge, earning a degree, finding meaningful careers, exploring diversity, and connecting with the global community. We provide students housing, dining, health care resources, and create innovative programs that educate and inspire. We enhance the University of Arkansas experience and help students succeed, one student at a time.