Broward County Public schools recently a statement that “beginning in the 2023/2024 school year, students will *ONLY* be allowed to use clear backpacks and bags while on school campuses.” This includes ANY bag like lunchboxes. 

These clear backpacks have proven time and time again to be very weak and unreliable in holding school items. Often students need to buy replacements because of how clear backpacks tear easily. This is very costly for the average family living in broward county and poverty in Broward County has been steadily INCREASING since 1980.

BCPS claims this new policy will stop students from bringing weapons to school. And while it might deter some if a student was a danger to the school they would’ve done it anyways. These measures only make school shooters more creative in how they come to school with their weapons. 

The privacy of other students is also being put at risk here. Although they allow small pouches for personal hygiene products (pads, tampons, etc.) this won’t stop other students from knowing what it is. And we all know how mean kids can be. This WILL make the gossipers and bullies even worse. Kids will also be able to see the inside of lunchboxes which some people already get made fun of for what they eat. 

Also TEACHER AND VISITORS to the schools are EXEMPT FROM THIS RULE. This is not fair, if broward schools really cared about their students and staff’s safety they would not implement this rule. Broward county has yet again disappointed with their horrible decisions to ensure our children’s safety in schools. Fight for the Broward County Public Schools students right to privacy by signing this petition. For more information on this new rule see: http://browardschools.com/clearbackpacks