Alestle student newspaper reporter Francesca Boston first reported the vandalism.

Vandals targeted menstrual products in men’s toilets in October, according to SIUE Vice-Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Jessica Harris. A new Illinois law (House Bill 641) requires universities to provide the products free of charge in all restrooms on campus.

Transgender people who use the men’s toilet may still need to have access to tampons or pads, as can non-binary people – those who don’t identify as one gender.

A student later admitted to throwing away menstrual products after an investigation by university officials, Harris said.

“SIUE’s biased incident response team has taken swift action, advising the campus community that such incidents are transphobic and have no place in the SIUE community,” Harris said in a statement sent by email. “Since this notification, faculty, staff and students have been diligent in reporting, for which I am grateful.”

Student Affairs found that the student violated the college’s code of conduct and that the student faced disciplinary and educational penalties, Harris said.

State Representative Katie Stuart D-Edwardsville condemned the vandalism.

“I am furious and disgusted by the display of fanaticism and cowardice shown by a small group on the SIUE campus. Instead of using compassion, those involved have attempted to stoke fear through vandalism,” said Stuart, a sponsor of House Bill 641.

“If the sight of a tampon or a napkin fills a person with such rage that they have to resort to such immature extremes, it is further proof that menstruation has to come out of the shadows and whispers. and be recognized for the natural biological function that it is. “

The vandalism mainly occurred at Morris University Center and Peck Hall, a university building, The Alestle reported.