HICKORY, N.C. — Spectators heading to Hickory High School games this fall will no longer be able to take bags or purses into the events.
What You Need To Know
- Hickory Public Schools implemented a new policy this school year, mandating clear bags at high school athletic events and large events like graduation
- Superintendent Dr. Bryan Taylor said the new policy is because of school violence incidents across the nation and violent crimes in the community over the summer
- Spectators must carry their belongings in a clear bag or carry them in-hand. No purses or book bags allowed
The district has a new clear bag policy that went into effect this school year.
Superintendent Bryan Taylor says the district was using metal detectors at games last year but he wanted an added level of security.
“This year we were looking for a way to continue to improve safety and we felt that instituting a clear bag policy would be one more layer of protection for our families and our athletes and our guests," Taylor said.
Taylor says no guns were found on campus last year, and he wants to keep it that way.
“We are trying to be as proactive as we possibly can, and when you look at the violence that's taken place across the country and acts of violence here in our community, we are trying to be proactive and trying to do everything we can to try and make our schools as safe as possible," Taylor said.
Over the summer, Hickory Police Department says there were three violent crimes involving teenagers and guns.
“I’m sure there are going to be people that question the policy, but overall, we‘ve had a positive response to it," Taylor said.
The district has informed other schools scheduled to play against them so they can let visiting parents know of the new policy.