Flint Community Schools district in Michigan has banned backpacks for all of its schools for the rest of the academic year. According to The New York Times, this decision was made in response to incidents resulting in school closure last month. Although students are allowed to bring in small purses, clear bags for gym clothes or lunchboxes, they are still subject to searches. Military-style assault weapons were used in the Parkland school shooting, which prompted many schools to reconsider security measures. Backpacks are considered a potential hiding place for weapons, which can be taken apart and hidden inside books, under other items, or in pockets. Clear bags were used in some schools as a security measure. However, Flint Community Schools’ Superintendent Kevin Jones believed that this “did not completely fix the issue”. Meanwhile, schools in other states, including Florida and Virginia, have also banned backpacks in response to the rise of threats or gun-related incidents.
The decision is aimed at increasing safety in schools and forms part of Flint Community Schools’ efforts to implement security measures. According to Superintendent Kevin Jones, backpacks made it easier for students to hide weapons and pose a danger to others. Although some schools have required transparent bags to counter this problem, the district believed this had not solved the issue. While students attending Flint schools may still bring clear plastic bags for gym clothes, lunchboxes, and small purses, all bags are subject to searches. Any student bringing a backpack to school will need to have it collected by their parents. The ban was supported by Flint’s seven-strong school board and administration officials. As well as instances of gunfire at other schools, a threat to Flint Southwestern Classical Academy also influenced the decision to ban backpacks. The school had to be locked down for two days.
Some schools in Michigan and Florida have also opted to ban backpacks as part of their strategy to reduce threats. Union Grove Middle School in Georgia has sought to improve school safety by implementing a new visitor management system. All visitors must show a valid ID, which will then be scanned and verified against sex offender databases. Visitors are then required to wear stickers displaying their name and photograph. The measures come after the school installed metal detectors and increased security after the Parkland shooting.
The Flint school district also sought approval for clear backpacks, but the request was rejected. Low-income families will be provided backpacks made from mesh or similar materials that are deemed safer. Jones acknowledged that the ban would create difficulties for students and their families, but argued that it was still vital to prioritise school safety. This decision was made to address widespread concerns about gun violence and threats affecting school staff, students, and parents.
The decision to ban backpacks forms part of a wider movement that seeks to enhance security measures for schools. Although other schools used transparent bags, the Flint district’s view is that this measure could still enable students to hide weapons. The decision is meant to enhance student safety through effective means that reduce risks. While other schools have chosen other measures such as metal detectors and increased manpower, the Flint district has chosen to eliminate backpacks as part of its effort to create a safer school environment.
