BROOKFIELD, CT — A menstrual products dispenser was torn from the wall shortly after it was installed in a Brookfield High School boys’ bathroom last week.
The vandalism occurred in the boys’ bathroom near the main office on Jan. 24. The installation was complete by 9:30 a.m., but by 9:52 a.m. the distribution box was destroyed, and tampons were on the floor alongside the masonry anchors, according to an email from Principal Marc Balanda to the community.
“I am aware that the law says ‘men’s bathroom’ but the actions today that led to vandalism and destruction of property were the work of immature boys, not men,” Balanda said. The principal promised there would be “consequences” for the party or parties responsible for the destructive act.
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The installation was in compliance with a new state law that goes into effect on Sept. 1, requiring “provision of free menstrual products to students in grades three to twelve… in a manner that does not stigmatize any student seeking such products.” The law specifies the installation be made “in women’s restrooms, all-gender restrooms and at least one men’s restroom.”
The vandalism occurred while school officials are still contemplating the best location for its all-gender bathroom.
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In his email, Balanda said the destruction of the dispenser was “the most egregious instance of vandalism and destruction of property in recent weeks.” Other instances include breaking stall door hardware, soap dispensers ripped off walls, and various objects stuffed in toilets.
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“It generally only happens in boys’ bathrooms and it needs to stop. We are better than this,” Balanda said. He also apologized “to those students who are negatively impacted by the lack of availability of menstrual products” in the school.
Alex Harris, who is on Ridgefield CT Pride’s Advisory Board, told Patch the incident “likely reflects socialized misogyny among teen boys as much as it does socialized anti-trans hostility.” Harris’ group’s mission is to “foster a sense of belonging for our LGBTQ+ community members and their families by educating, promoting awareness and understanding, increasing visibility, and celebrating our LGBTQ+ community members.”
“This sad incident is a perfect teaching opportunity which our school administration needs to seize. Schools are charged with imparting knowledge and understanding of reality to our youth. Menstruation and trans or non-binary people are simple facts of reality that threaten no one,” Harris said.
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