Excused absence due to menstruation is an institution that makes absences of the students who miss classes due to menstrual pain officially approved. Siwon recognized difficulties of female students who have severe menstrual pain. Siwon also suggested that female students should not bear this pain individually, but a social institution is needed to improve this problem. Therefore, Siwon decided to get agreement of the students to implement excused absences due to menstruation for guaranteeing health of the female students. If this system is implemented, students can request a menses absence for a maximum of five days in one semester. Students can request a maximum of two days in a row, and they will receive an F grade if they request four or more days in each lecture. Menses absence cannot be used during exams and summer or winter session.

In response to the opinion, “I think this system is reverse discrimination,” Siwon answered that this system is not a privilege, but a right of the female students. In addition, they argued that missing classes is a huge damage, and students who are absent because of menstrual pain are already taking responsibilities for missing classes.

Now, Siwon is planning to get signatures of 500 students. Students who agree with implementing the menses absence system can sign at Gwangjang, the UOS online community, or can sign the sign-up paper in front of the student council room in the Student Hall.

By Sol-eui Hong