GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Some school districts are banning book bags rather than books as some students have been found with firearms in backpacks in the past month. 

MORE NEWS: Elissa Slotkin Secures Victory in Tight Michigan Senate Race

After stumbling upon the fourth gun confiscation from a student in the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) in this academic year, the district is taking drastic measures. 

GRPS has elected to “no longer allow scholars to bring backpacks into school” following the confiscation of a loaded handgun from a third-grade student’s backpack.

GRPS Superintendent Leadriane Roby expressed her concerns regarding this repeated situation. 

“I’m deeply concerned, frustrated and angry that in less than a week’s time we have confiscated two guns from elementary school children,” she said according to the Detroit Free Press. “This is not okay with me and it is not okay with our community. We have to come together to do something about guns getting into the hands of our babies. We will be a part of the solution.”

The district said that the policy will remain in effect until further notice and at least through the end of the year. 

“This is not a decision we’ve taken lightly and we know this poses a significant inconvenience for our families. I am more than frustrated that a decision like this is necessary, but we must put safety first and that’s what this decision is about,” Roby said in a statement. “This is just one step in an ongoing conversation about how we can best protect our children in our rapidly-changing world.”

MORE NEWS: Michigan Has More Teachers and Fewer Students During Teacher Shortage

Some common questions have been raised regarding how students will be able to carry books in other bags. 

“Currently, the ban is for any large-sized bag capable of concealing a weapon the size of a firearm,” the district’s FAQ page said, “Small compacts to carry personal hygiene items will be allowed. Any bag allowed in may be subject to search.”

The district is also not allowing any clear bags but are “actively considering alternatives and will update our families on any changes.”  Students with musical instrument cases are allowed to bring instruments in their cases, though the bag or case is subject to search.  

GRPS joins Flint Community Schools after it made a policy change last week to ban backpacks for the remainder of the year. 

“Effective Monday, May 1, scholars districtwide will not be allowed to bring backpacks into Flint Community Schools buildings,” the district said, “This policy will be in place through the remainder of the school year. Small purses with personal items (i.e., hygiene products, wallets, keys, phone, etc.), clear plastic bags with gym clothes, and lunchboxes will be allowed within reason. These bags will still be subject to search. If a scholar brings a backpack to school, they will be sent to the office where they will need to call a parent or guardian to pick up their belongings. The office will not hold this property.”