I am a student who takes pride in attending school each and every day with a smile. Despite my positive attitude, I hold a concern for me and many other students - the ban of backpacks in our school. Like so many others, my junior year comes with its fair share of its academic load, leading to the practical need for a backpack. In an odd twist, while my sophomore year saw me unharmed with a large messenger bag equivalent in size to my current backpack. I am now punished for selecting a backpack for my school needs. The rationale offered revolves around worries of students potentially carrying weapons in backpacks. However, school-issued computer bags are permitted, Starting with the question of what truly distinguishes a computer bag from a backpack? Size has been proposed as a distinguishing factor, but is illogical when considering the many sizes of many computer bags in use. Most will say you can carry more weapons in a backpack than you can a computer bag but does that really show the difference? A weapon is still a weapon regardless of how it is being transported. I had a case brought up to me that backpacks are still allowed in school and to be put in lockers but cannot be brought into class or walked around with during school hours. In this case still having a backpack in my locker or having a locker in general can still have possession of a weapon. Another case that was brought up to me is the school issues computer bags. Theres a school “policy” that doesnt allow students to purchase their own computer bags. However I had one my sophomore year and as i mentioned it was the size of my current backpack. I never got in trouble for it nor did anyone try and establish that rule. This is where we get to talk about metal detectors. Metal detecors can detect a lot of harmful objects so teachers and administrators wouldnt be afraid or make students feel afraid. We have safety protocols put in place if we were to have someone unsafe in our school we would know what to do and how to prevent it. Our administration’s apprehension about backpacks being a hazard overlooks the fact that harmful items can just as easily be hidden in computer bags, and therein lies the inconsistency and unjustified favoritism towards computer bags over backpacks. We necessitate a balance that both addresses safety and facilitates learning by carrying adequate learning materials. According to Nation Center for Education statistics, The average high schoolers backpack weighs between 12 to 30 pounds. A volume that cannot realistically fit into a standard computer bag. It is on this basis that i propose that we reevaluate our stance, allowing our commitment to both education and safety. Schools in Tipton, IN, USA could realistically check backpacks for safety concerns much like they do with computer bags, to eliminate any concerns about potential harmful weapons being brought into the school. The school boards are worrying about the wrong things. I sincerely request the school authorities to reconsider their position on this issue. A backpack is a tool, not a menace. Workers, tourists, hikers and in fact every other people in the society use backpacks without incident. I therefore propose the introduction of careful checks and regulations to ensure the safety and security off students, rather than an outright ban on this essential study aid. Please sign this petition in support of student convenience equity, and potential. We must act quickly and decisively.