Michigan high school requires girls to disclose menstrual cycle details for makeup swimming days

The Guardian · September 17, 2026Original source ↗

What happened

A Michigan high school requires female students to provide information about their menstrual cycles in order to make up swimming days missed due to periods. This policy mandates that a parent submit a written note or email specifying the menstrual cycle length for the students to qualify for makeup days.

Why it matters

This story raises questions about privacy and the policies schools implement regarding health-related absences.

How this story affects people

How does this story affect you if you are a female student at the school?

This policy directly impacts you by requiring personal health information to be disclosed in order to participate in makeup swimming sessions. It raises concerns about privacy and the potential stigma associated with discussing menstrual cycles in an academic setting.

How does this story affect you if you are a parent of a female student?

You will need to provide specific details about your child's menstrual cycle to the school, which may feel intrusive and raise questions about the appropriateness of such requirements. This could lead to discussions about the school's policies and their implications for student privacy.

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