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I have to admit, when I saw the first meme of “Tampon Tim,” I actually thought it was a compliment (”Reality check on the ‘Tampon Tim’ meme,” editorial, Aug. 9). Supplying free menstrual products to Minnesota students is so important to so many students. With 36 years of full-time high school teaching and another 14 years of substitute teaching, I have 49 years of classroom experience with teenagers. When I was teaching full time, I would often be approached by young women seeking help to secure menstrual products. I would sometimes even lend my own, and, once machines were in place that charged money, I would make sure that I had change to provide students with access to them. Even now I admire the bravery of asking a teacher for help like that.
Free menstrual products provide dignity and compassion. One of the best examples of how I’ve seen this play out is at Tri-City United High School in Montgomery, Minn. Each stall in the bathroom has a complete array of menstrual products — each stall! Talk about dignity and compassion.
Teenage years are tough years. As adults we should try our best to show them that we care about them as individuals. I still believe that the “Tampon Tim” label is a compliment.
Carol Ottoson, Prior Lake
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As a high school teacher for the past 19 years, I’m proud of Walz for working to provide free menstrual products in schools. Tampons and pads are essential hygiene products, and there is no shame in taking the lead in making them accessible. “Tampon Tim” is a funny and alliterative nickname for a guy who has shown through his record that he cares about serving people. I expect Walz will laugh about it, and I hope he accepts the title proudly. I know people in Minnesota schools appreciate his efforts.