Inclusivity, Dignity and Respect are all words that Belmont uses to describe their goal of creating a sense of belonging on campus.
By providing free period products in campus bathrooms, the Student Government Association took initiative to follow those ideals.
Over the past year and a half, the SGA successfully installed five dispensers and boxes with tampons and pads in various bathrooms across campus.
The project was proposed by former student body president Kaelin Sabline but was passed as an official SGA bill in the fall of 2023 under current president Carter Barnett.
“The project was a collaborative effort involving various committees, the Senate, and the Cabinet, showcasing a broad group effort,” said Barnett.
With Chair of the Campus Affair Committee Ashlyn Gumm taking a key role, the team spent a year working on logistics for a detailed project outline within committees before implementing it on campus.
They also obtained key approvals from Associate Dean AdriAnne Sternberg and Vice President for Student Formation and Dean of Students Tamika Williams.
The project also faces a relevant topic on campus: the skewed gender ratio.
“The project aims to address the gender imbalance at Belmont, which has a 66% male-to-female ratio, and is a common initiative among colleges,” said Barnett.
With higher female enrollment rates, the project is pertinent seeing as a 7% sales tax is imposed on period products within Tennessee.
The project is a step towards providing free essential amenities for students across campus.
As for funding the project, it won’t be coming out of student’s tuition.
“The project is fully funded by the SGA’s annual budget of $50,000 from Belmont’s administration,” said Barnett.
The team aims to expand and improve the project over the next decade, ensuring its stability.
“The project is intended to be a long-term initiative, with plans to continue beyond the current administration,” said Barnett.
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This article was written by Samantha Graessle
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