DALLAS —  Just days after the Dallas Independent School District asked for public input on a clear backpack policy, the district announced its plan to enforce one for the upcoming school year. The news comes after the tragic death of students and teachers back in May at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.

“We acknowledge that the clear or mesh backpacks alone will not eliminate safety concerns,” the district said in a statement. “This is merely one of several steps in the district’s comprehensive plan to better ensure student and staff safety.”

The policy, which takes effect for the 2022-2023 school year will apply to students in grades sixth through 12^th. Students in those grades levels will be required to use clear or mesh backpacks. According to officials, the decision was a result of “safety recommendations” made by the Safety Task Force and Internal Task Force coupled with input from students, staff, parents and the community. Additionally, students can also place a non-clear pouch of 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches for items such as cellphones, money, and hygiene products in their backpacks.

“All the backpacks not meeting the criteria outlined above will be collected and kept in the school office where the student’s parents or guardian can pick them up,” the statement reads.

For those in need of clear backpacks, the district has vowed to provide a free one at the start of the school year. Dallas ISD joins other districts across the state now requiring students to wear clear backpacks. Last week, Sequin Independent School District near San Antonio moved to a clear backpack policy for the new school year.

“In an abundance of caution and for the safety of our students and staff, a clear backpack policy will be in effect for Seguin ISD secondary students (grades 6-12) throughout the 2022-23 school year,” the district said in a statement. “This includes Barnes and Briesemeister middle schools, Seguin High School, Mercer-Blumberg Learning Center and Seguin Alternative School.”

Last month, Ingleside School District near Corpus Christi updated its dress code policy to remove mesh backpacks, leaving clear backpacks as the only option for students to bring to campus.

“Safety is a top priority for Ingleside ISD and is on the forefront of concern for school districts across Texas and our nation,” district officials said.

Fort Bend Independent School District has recently implemented a clear backpack policy for off-campus sports activities now that a national spotlight remains on Texas. Only clear, plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that don’t exceed 12” x 6” x 12” inches; clear, plastic, one-gallon, re-sealable, Ziploc-style bags and clutch bags approximately the size of a hand (4½” x 6½” or smaller) can be brought into Hall Stadium, Hopson Field House, Mercer Stadium, Wheeler Field House, Cook Natatorium, and Aquatic Practice Facility.

Visitors who don’t comply will not be allowed into the event, per officials.