Natasha Puetz- Contributor

Last spring, I made an effort to highlight and change an unjust obstacle every menstruating individual faces: the mandatory purchasing of sanitary menstruation products.

The issue is not solely based off of the fact that menstruating individuals must spend copious amounts of money. “A year’s supply of tampons and pads costs upwards of $70 a year” according to a Jan. 28, 2015, New York Times article on these products, but also the dismissal of these circumstances.

This is just not an issue people take seriously. In fact, menstruating individuals are being penalized for a biological process for a profit falling into the category of the “pink tax.”

What did I do attempting to inspire change?

First, I focused my competitive speaking efforts on the issue, taking a poetry program to two national tournaments. Because the national forensics speech and debate circuit is highly progressive and clued into the pressing issues on a local, national and global level, I was not surprised to find other competitors tackling the same topic in other categories.

One category offered a call to action that really hit home: leave extra tampons, pads, and panty liners in bathrooms for those who need them, for whatever reason. It isn’t fair that menstruating individuals are forced to purchase these products, especially when their period has crept up on them and they are unprepared.

Other products such as paper towels and toilet paper are readily provided in public restrooms; why should menstruation products be any different?

Coming back to UND after the tournament, my coach and I decided to follow in this competitor’s example. My coach made envelopes with the facts about the pink tax and how menstruating individuals could fight it on the outside, and tampons, pads, and panty liners on the inside.

I placed these envelopes in the women’s bathrooms in Merrifield. Imagine my surprise when I came back the next day to find them taken down.

Now, we could consider the possibility that all of the products were used up within a day and the envelope was simply discarded. But, also considering just how prepared most menstruating individuals are for a sneak attack, it’s just not that likely. I am left to believe these were taken down to counter the statement that was being made. I have no proof. So, I’m choosing to start my campaign again.

If you are a menstruating individual, you already know all about this. If you are not, take the time to educate yourself by researching for two minutes or simply talking to an individual who menstruates.

Please note, this is not a pass to question anyone about their biological make-up. It is assumed you would ask someone you have a close relationship with and the entire conversation would be equal parts respectful, enlightening, and, most importantly, fun.

Above all else, respect their choice to not disclose that information about themselves and head over to Google. That’s the first part of your job.

The second part of your job is simple: If you see an envelope in a bathroom on campus, (they should be around by the time you read this) take the time to read and possibly do your part by dropping a tampon or two.

More importantly, use the products in the envelope!

The idea is to create a community of people who believe biological functions should not be penalized. Together, we can change the culture of the pink tax.