Due to the tragic shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas in Florida which left 17 students dead, students will now be required to use clear backpacks on campus grounds. This new rule will take effect as students return from spring break next week.
“Clear backpacks are the only backpacks that will be permitted on campus,” said Broward County School Superintendent Robert Runcie in a letter addressed to parents on March 21.
Image of School Superintendent Robert Runcie’s letter to parents.
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Second page of School Superintendent Robert Runcie’s letter to parents.
The book bags will be provided to students free of charge.
Nonetheless, some feel that this security measure does little to curb the underlying problem. “I’m not happy with it. Why are you punishing me for one person’s actions?” “We know what the root of the problem is,” “(Lawmakers) don’t want to make the gun laws strong enough,” said Tyra Hemans, a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas.
Other measures include students and school personnel being required to carry visible identification cards with them at all times while on school grounds and the assignment of additional security personnel. School administration is also considering installing metal detectors.
Nicholas Fraser, another student said: “I feel like our school is now a prison,” “It doesn’t feel like home.”
The school has faced several security challenges after the shooting such as the foster brother of the gunman being charged with trespassing after being found on school grounds skateboarding and a deputy assigned to patrol the campus was found sleeping by a student; he was suspended without pay.
