A group of Clemson University students staged a protest demanding the reinstallation of tampon dispensers in the men’s library bathrooms. The dispensers had been removed following complaints from the Clemson College Republicans.
The Clemson College Republicans had posted on social media about the presence of tampon/pad dispensers in the men’s restrooms, referring to the situation as a “clown world.” In response to the complaints, the dispensers were removed.
Around 50 students organized a protest on campus, advocating for the return of the dispensers and reprimanding the College Republicans for their role in their removal. The protest aimed to “destigmatize menstruation” and promote inclusivity.
The group “Take Back Pride,” which organized the demonstration, claimed that the sanitary products were “unjustly” removed from the restrooms and called for their reinstallation. They also criticized the College Republicans for their stance.
The College Republicans argued that men cannot menstruate and contended that they had merely stood up for biological reality. They suggested that the employees responsible for installing the dispensers should be fired.
State Representative April Cromer saw the complaint and approached college officials, advocating for the removal of the dispensers from the men’s restrooms.
Clemson University stated that it does not plan to reinstall the tampon dispensers. The dispensers had initially been installed by the Graduate Student Government but were removed to avoid political controversy and align with the South Carolina government’s stance.
The protest reflects a broader debate over inclusivity and gender identity on college campuses and highlights the challenges universities face when trying to accommodate diverse perspectives and preferences.