FLINT, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Flint Community Schools are banning backpacks for the rest of the school year in response to a rise in threats being made at schools across the country.

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“Backpacks make it easier for students to hide weapons, which can be disassembled and harder to identify or hidden in pockets, inside books or under other items,” the district said in an FAQ report for 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.”

The Flint Board of Education voted unanimously to ban backpacks in a special meeting that came after two separate incidents caused Southwestern Classical Academy to close for two days last week.

The ban covers all types of backpacks, including those made of clear plastic. Lunchboxes, clear plastic bags for gym clothes, and purses under 7.7” in height are permitted.

Tiana Martin, parent of a Flint elementary school student, says the policy does not completely alleviate her concerns.
“It’s a step towards it, because you know, you can hide anything anywhere. I would be still concerned because … anything can happen,” she said. “But with that amount of somebody being able to see what you have, everything inside of your bag, that’s a big difference.”

Martin concluded: “I just hope the kids learn to make better decisions than what they’re doing.”