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New state-mandated tampon dispenser in Conn. HS boys bathroom ripped down in just 20 minutes: principal
The fixture was put in the bathroom as part of a new state law that mandates each school must provide free menstrual products in women’s restrooms, all-gender restrooms and at least a single men’s …
nypost.com
New state-mandated tampon dispenser in CT high school boys bathroom ripped down in just 20 minutes: principal
By
Social Links for David Propper
Published Jan. 31, 2024, 7:41 p.m. ET
A state-mandated tampon dispenser inside a boys’ bathroom at a Connecticut high school was ripped down 20 minutes after it was installed this month, according to the building’s “disgusted” principal.
The dispenser was placed in the Brookfield High School boys’ bathroom at 9:30 a.m. last Wednesday, but by 9:52 a.m., it was torn from the wall, leaving tampons littering the floor, the school’s principal, Marc Balanda, said in an email to students and staff obtained by CT Insider reported.
3 Brookfield High School was faced with the vandalism last week. Google Maps
The fixture was put in the bathroom as part of a new state law that mandates each school must provide free menstrual products in women’s restrooms, all-gender restrooms and at least a single men’s bathroom.
“I am aware that the law says “men’s bathroom” but the actions today that led to vandalism and destruction of property were the work of immature boys, not men,” Balanda stated, per local outlet Inside Investigator, which obtained the email.
He added there have been other instances of vandali
ism in recent weeks in boys’ bathrooms, including tearing down soap dispensers and stuffing objects down toilets, but he found this the “most egregious” case, per the email.
3 The principal said he was disgusted by the vandalism. Facebook
The state mandate was put in place so transgender and intersex students would have menstrual products available if needed, CT Insider reported.
“Having open dialogue in the school community can help everyone understand the law, ensure a school environment where everyone is respected, and all students are supported,” state Department of Education spokesperson Matthew Cerrone told The Post.,
State education officials aren’t aware of any other similar instances, he said.
Brookfield Schools Superintendent John Barile didn’t share many details about the incident with CT Insider, but noted the vandalism has been addressed with the student involved.
3 The dispenser was torn down in 20 minutes. Facebook
Police were not called over the incident because “law enforcement is typically not involved in situations of vandalism/destruction of property unless the act rises to a much higher level of property destruction,” Barile said, adding tampon dispensers have been vandalized in the girls’ bathrooms in past years.
Calls by The Post to the superintendent and principal were not immediately returned Wednesday.
“Use your words to start a dialogue rather than using your hands to destroy something,” Balanda said in the email, also noting he was “disgusted” and “disheartened.”
Ridgefield resident Alex Harris, who is on Ridgefield CT Pride’s advisory board, told the outlet “this sad incident is a perfect teaching opportunity” for the school.
“Schools are charged with imparting knowledge and understanding of reality to our youth,” Harris said. “Menstruation and trans- or nonbinary people are simple facts of reality that threaten no one.”