Michigan school district bans backpacks over safety and weapon concerns.
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Loading... - Oyen Anders
- 22 May 2023
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A school district located in Flint, Michigan, has implemented a prohibition on students carrying backpacks within its schools due to concerns regarding weapons. This decision was prompted by a recent threat directed towards one of the schools in the district.
Kevelin Jones, the Superintendent of Flint Community Schools, conveyed the ban through a letter addressed to families on the school district's website. He acknowledged that this was a challenging choice but emphasized its necessity. The ban, which commenced on Monday, will remain in effect for the duration of the current school year.
The catalyst for this ban was a threat made against Southwestern Classical Academy, a school within the district, on April 19. To ensure the safety of students and staff, the school was immediately placed on lockdown, and classes were subsequently canceled the following day.
Jones expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by this policy, acknowledging its impact on scholars and families. However, he stressed that the safety of the school community takes precedence, leaving no room for compromises.
According to data from the national K-12 School Shooting Database, there have been 127 incidents this year where firearms were discharged or aimed at individuals within K-12 school premises, or where bullets struck school property.
The Superintendent highlighted that backpacks enable students to conceal weapons easily. Consequently, students are permitted to bring small purses containing personal items such as hygiene products, wallets, keys, and phones. Clear plastic bags for gym clothes and lunch boxes are also allowed. However, all bags will be subjected to thorough searches.
Any students found in possession of backpacks will be escorted to the office, and they will need to contact a parent or guardian to retrieve their belongings.
Jones argued that the complete ban on backpacks, coupled with an increased security presence throughout the district, will facilitate better control over the items brought into the school buildings. The school district maintains that even clear backpacks do not adequately address the issue, as weapons can still be easily concealed within them.
The new policy has received approval from the Flint Board of Education, as well as the district's administration and principals.
