When signing, please be sure to use your Knights Email so that we can show SGA that all the signees are UCF students. If you have friends that are interested in this cause but attend a different school, please encourage them to reach out to premedpres.elect@amwa-premed.org to learn how to start a petition at their school!

Knights Matter, Period is a coalition of Premedical Students petitioning at UCF for free access to or reduced cost programs for menstrual products such as pads and tampons. This initiative is supported by the American Medical Women's Association Premedical Division as a branch of their Women Matter, Period task force.

Tampons and pads are often seen as luxury items in today’s society. For those of us who menstruate, they are necessary. And yet, many people simply do not have access to these items. Some will use a pad or tampon for too long because they can’t afford buying more, causing medical difficulties. Several schools have successfully convinced their administration to offer free tampons and pads for students. A normal biological process should not impede the education of those who cannot afford such products or because there are not adequate supplies on campus. Free the Tampons Foundation has shown that the cost of providing free menstrual products for an entire year is just $4.67 per student. If not providing free products, campuses should at least offer an opt-in program where students can pay a one time fee each year allowing them access to these products with their school ID cards.

To add on, there is such a large stigma around menstruation. Tampons and pads are seen as taboo items. Too many times have we all had someone respond in disgust to a wrapped, clean, tampon. These items are also heavily taxed in most states, while “medical necessities” such as dandruff shampoo or Viagra are tax-exempt. Some states are already passing bills to stop taxing these products and other legislation is being introduced in states like Wisconsin that demands menstruation products to be free in public restrooms. Tampons should be treated like toilet paper or free condoms. Let’s show those who menstruate that their needs and comfort matters.