The Rockdale County (Ga.) district will require students to use clear backpacks next school year to improve security on its campuses.
To carry out the safety measure, the district has approved a proposal to buy 16,500 clear backpacks, the district says in a news release.
"We understand that clear bookbags are not going to thwart all safety threats,” says Superintendent Terry Oatts. "However, they may be a deterrent for students bringing any inappropriate items to school and will enhance our multi-measured approach to increasing school safety.”
Clear bag policies have become more common at music festivals, sporting events and other large gatherings, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta requires clear bags, and Atlanta Public Schools has a similar policy for spectators at its athletic venues.
Some districts have turned to clear backpacks as a safety measure since the 1990s, but the policies often have met opposition from families, safety experts and students.
