Hickory public schools implement clear bag policy as football season begins

HICKORY, N.C. — Football season is kicking off Friday night with the big rivalry game between Hickory High and Alexander Central.

If you are heading out to the game tonight, there is a new security measure you need to be aware of.

Parents and students are being asked to only bring clear bags to the game.

Channel 9 reporter Dave Faherty spoke with those who both support and oppose the new policy.

“Gun violence. Just violence in general today is out of control. It’s a good thing they have a policy,” parent Todd Johnson said.

“I think it’s a good idea but it’s hard to enforce it, because you’re going to have a lot of people not wanting to follow the guidelines,” parent Denise Lopez said.

The school district said the clear bags are only required for major high school events such as athletics and graduation ceremonies.

The change in policy comes nearly a year after Hickory Public Schools announced metal detectors would be used at games.

At the time, the superintendent said the decision was made because of recent gun violence at schools nationwide.

In a statement today, the district told Channel 9 that the change was made to add another layer of security and the policy also allows them to search the bags.

“I think it’s fine. If you’ve got nothing to hide, bring your backpacks and let’s keep going,” parent Summer Stephens said.

District officials said that anyone who shows up with a bag that is not clear will be asked to take it back to their cars. That policy also affects parents arriving from an opposing school.

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