Michigan school district bans all backpacks over gun concerns

A Michigan school district has banned all backpacks — including those made out of clear plastic — for the rest of the school year in response to growing fears about firearms in classrooms.

The Flint Board of Education voted unanimously to ban backpacks during a special meeting last Tuesday, weeks after voting against a proposal that would require students to use backpacks made out of clear, plastic material.

“Clear backpacks do not completely fix this issue,” Superintendent Kevelin Jones wrote in a letter last week to parents. “By banning backpacks altogether and adding an increased security presence across the district, we can better control what is being brought into our buildings.”

Jones noted that backpacks make it easier for students to conceal weapons, which can be disassembled and hidden in pockets, inside books or under other items.

“School safety remains an important topic for districts across the country, including here in Flint,” Jones said.

The new district-wide policy comes after two separate safety incidents caused the district’s high school to shutter for two days last month, Mlive.com reported.

The new policy was ultimately approved by all seven school board members and administration officials. It has also received support from the Flint Police Department and other safety advocates, Jones said.

“We have thought long and hard about this decision, knowing that it will impact how scholars and families prepare for their days and operations in the classroom,” Jones said. “However, based on the issues we continue to see across the country regarding school safety, we believe that this is the best solution for those we serve.”

“We apologize for any inconvenience that this policy will have on our scholars and families, but when it comes to the safety of our school community, we will not take any chances,” Jones said.

Smaller purses holding personal items, clear bags with gym clothes and lunchboxes will be allowed within reason. These bags may still be subject to search, the district says on its website.

Student athletes will be allowed to stash their equipment in the front office, but will not be able to access it during the school day.

If a student brings a backpack to school they will be sent to the office to call a parent or guardian who will be required to pick up their belongings.

The office will not hold on to students’ backpacks, according to the website.

A similar request was made by administrators in February, but it ended up being voted down. After, Jones suggested allowing clear backpacks instead, which was also vetoed.

The district previously banned backpacks in 2007 in response to incidents in the community.