One teenager is speaking out and hoping to change her school's policies after she was denied access to the bathroom while on her period.
The incident caused this young woman a lot of embarrassment, and her story has been shared around the world.
One teenager is speaking out and hoping to change her school's policies after she was denied access to the bathroom while on her period.
The incident caused this young woman a lot of embarrassment, and her story has been shared around the world.
Even though this is a normal and natural occurrence, there are still a number of misconceptions surrounding periods.
As if being a teenager wasn't already difficult enough!
Students should feel safe, understood, and heard.
Such an amazing step!
Monica Lennon created the Period Products Bill, and recently it got passed its first stage in Scottish Parliament.
The incident made international news and sparked a debate about school bathroom policies for female students.
Like many girls at this age, she was on her period at school.
Yes, we're just as perplexed.
Her teacher's refusal caused her to have an accident.
She's also received three detentions from asking to go to the washroom in the past due to her period.
The first and most obvious reason is comfort. Products like pads and tampons were really only designed to be worn for a few hours maximum.
Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare, but deadly infection which can be caused by wearing a tampon longer than eight hours.
When she returned to the classroom, her teacher barred her from class and Maisie-Rae faced disciplinary action.
Periods can already be a sensitive topic for teenagers, and not many would want this scenario broadcast to their class.
"I think it would be a good idea to get the girls wearing a little pink wristband and then it would show the teachers and others that the girl is on her period and that they may be a little emotional and not able to concentrate that week," said Kelly Adams, Maisie-Rae's mom, in an interview with Gloucestershire Live.
The school said they do have a "pink card policy" that allows female students discreetly to tell their teachers that they need to use the washroom due to their periods.
"We are sensitive to the needs of all students but especially girls in this situation, who are developing emotionally and physically," said David Alexander, the headteacher of the school.
The headteacher said he will be working with Maisie-Rae and her mom to develop a system so female students can attend to any personal needs at school discreetly.
No person who is menstruating should ever feel embarrassed or reprimanded for it.