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Since before the COVID-19 Pandemic, Syracuse University’s Student Association has worked with SU administration and other outside groups to provide free menstrual and contraceptive products on campus.

From purchasing menstrual products for restrooms to negotiating contraceptive vending machines at the Barnes Center at The Arch, multiple SA sessions have worked to provide long-term resources on campus. Despite the multiyear process, SA leaders are still set on providing products for free in the future.

“It’s a number one priority. Our approach is continuing the work we have done in the past,” SA President German Nolivos said.

Most recently, SA Speaker Pro-Tempore Tim Wong introduced a new resolution during last week’s meeting, which laid out the association’s commitment to increased access to birth control and other reproductive health services on campus. The bill aims to create a lasting solution for students to have access to reproductive healthcare.

SA has supplied the student body with menstrual hygiene product dispensers on campus since a 2022 agreement with the university. In the initial plan, the association allocated $56,000 toward the products and dispensers, while SU administration committed to the project’s installation fees.

In March 2024, SA announced its plan to work with the Barnes Center to create contraceptive vending machines. Former SA Vice President Yasmin Nayrouz said the Barnes Center was “resistant” to the idea due to concerns about monitoring expiration dates and restocking.

Though not free, students can receive emergency contraceptives through the Barnes Center pharmacy at a reduced cost. Nolivos said the association still hopes to implement an emergency contraceptive vending machine on campus, but plans to finish conducting research before proceeding to plan with administration.

Nolivos said SA’s first priority is for the university administration to take over providing free menstrual products permanently. SA Vice President Reed Granger said the Barnes Center has been open to the idea of introducing contraceptive vending machines.

“It may have been a more complicated process last year,” Granger said. “This year, Barnes has been engaging in the conversation and so have other on-campus organizations.”

The bill’s language will not specifically address the implementation of contraceptive vending machines on campus, but is in support of efforts from the university and outside organizations to address the issue, Granger said.

Granger also said the newest bill is a continuation of SA’s efforts in recent years, but brings a new level of urgency because of the state of national politics today.

The plans will include continued dialogue with Planned Parenthood and meetings with the Barnes Center next semester to plan potential collaborations. Nolivos said SA is also looking at other university vending machine initiatives for guidance.

“This is not just words. We are talking to the necessary parties and having conversations to move forward and implement these vending machines on campus,” Granger said.

As SA looks ahead to passing the bill and other end-of-semester projects, it will also offer its Food for Finals initiative this week. During exams, the association will serve breakfast and dinner to students in the Schine Student Center.

Published on December 9, 2024 at 12:20 am

Contact Sydney: sadepiet@syr.edu