Broward public school students to only bring clear backpacks in the fall
MIAMI - Another school scare in Broward County led to the arrest of an 18-year-old Taravella High School Student on Friday.
Police say she confessed to posting a threat online stating: "Friday, I will make history as the top school slaughter."
Hours after the unfounded threat was made, Broward County Public Schools announced a major change that's coming next school year.
"Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, only clear backpacks and bags will be allowed on district school campuses," said Lori Alhadeff, chairwoman with the Broward County School Board.
This includes book bags, lunch boxes Fanny packs, purses, and duffle bags.
"It applies to all students, from pre-k through 12th. Teachers, staff, volunteers, and visitors are not required to use clear purses and bags," said Alhadeff.
Students we spoke to say they aren't thrilled about the changes.
"I don't like it. Like the people is looking at what I have in my backpack, you know, I don't feel great with that," said one student.
"Honestly, I think it's not fair for the people who are unrelated to any gang stuff and bad things in general. I think it's an invasion of privacy. If they really are going to bring guns and stuff to school, I think that they will find a way to like to bring them, and so I don't think the clear backpacks are a good reason," said a Broward County high schooler.
"Providing safe learning environments that are conducive to student learning is of the highest importance, not just for Broward County Public Schools but for school districts across the nation," said BCPS Interim Superintendent Earlean C. Smiley. "This added layer of security is a game-changer. It will allow school security personnel and everyone on campus to quickly spot and report if someone has brought a prohibited item to school, and it will also help serve as a deterrent."
The only exceptions that will be permitted are:
• a small non-transparent pouch for personal hygiene items
• thermal food containers carried inside clear lunch boxes
• school-approved sport-specific carrying cases for athletic equipment
• school-approved instrument-specific carrying cases for band equipment
The new measure does not apply to teachers, staff, volunteers or visitors.
For more information, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit browardschools.com/clearbackpacks.
