Tampon Tim and Walz’s Free Menstrual Products Initiative in Minnesota Schools Explained

Depending on who you ask, the nickname Republican Party officials have given Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz — “Tampon Tim” — could be taken as either an insult or a compliment.

Title used by former Donald Trump advisor Stephen Miller and other conservative critics, originally stemmed from a bill signed by Walz regarding access to menstrual products.

This draft law on school safety requires Minnesota public schools to provide menstrual products, including pads and tampons, to students from fourth through 12th grade.

The law that came into force in January — enjoyed wide recognition, making Minnesota one of the 28 states pass laws that will ensure students have access to menstrual products. As noted NPRas president, Trump signed a 2018 package that requires federal prisons to provide them.

But Republican Party critics questioned the language in the legislation, which acknowledges that People who menstruate are not necessarily women, and not all women have periods.Some opponents have tried unsuccessfully to limit the law to women’s and gender-neutral restrooms only.

Under Walz, who is now the Democratic vice presidential candidate, Minnesota was one of the first states to protect gender-affirming care with a implementing regulationwhile other states have banned or restricted access to it.

Meanwhile, some supporters are making lithe of the “Tampon Tim” nickname, celebrating Vice President Kamala Harris’ selection of a candidate with progressive views on issues like access to health care and LGBTQ+ rights.

The Human Rights Campaign has praised Walz’s History as an Advocate for the LGBTQ+ Community: As a Teacher in 1999 Sponsored the school’s first gay-straight alliance group, and as a U.S. representative, he opposed actions that advocates said would harm queer people.

As for Walz’s “Tampon Tim” nickname, he hasn’t publicly commented on the title, but supporters are embracing it, using it in hashtags promoting Walz and his candidacy.

” READ MORE: Did Gov. Tim Walz make “weird” happen?

“This law shows what we can accomplish when we listen to students and respond to their needs.” – Minnesota Democratic State Representative Sandra Feist he tweeted“I’m glad MN is at the top of the list! #TamponTim”

Hillary Clinton also turned an insult into something positive. When Libs of TikTok leader Chaya Raichik posted a photoshopped photo of Walz’s face on a Tampax box, Clinton re-published screenshot with caption: “How nice of the Trump camp to assist publicize Gov. Tim Walz’s compassionate and common sense policy of providing free menstrual products to students in Minnesota public schools! Let’s do this everywhere.”