Period equity expands in Texas as Austin schools provide free pads and tampons

Bellaire High School senior Zoe Kass demonstrates how students can reach her menstrual product baskets in the high school in Houston, on April 28, 2022. (Credit: Annie Mulligan for The Texas Tribune)

When Austin public school students return to classes this month, they will find a new amenity awaiting them in the bathrooms: dispensers of free maxi pads and tampons.

Over the summer, Austin Independent School District spent about $85,000 on dispensers and $70,000 on the first batch of menstrual products to provide to students at no cost. Austin is the state’s fifth-largest district and joins Fort Worth, which will also offer supplies to students for free this fall, following a decision Dallas schools made last year.