Beaufort Co. schools OK clear-bag policy for middle and high school sporting events
Start packing the Ziplocs: Beaufort County School District has officially approved a clear-bag policy at all middle and high school sporting events, according to a Friday press release.
The policy allows one clear bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches, and a clutch or wallet no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches, per guest. Non-clear medical bags would be allowed after they are searched.
The policy will take effect for winter sports, which begin next month with basketball games and wrestling matches.
Folding chairs and blankets will still be allowed but are subject to search, district officials said.
District Chief Operations Officer Robert Oetting said the policy was requested by high school athletic directors, who cited safety concerns at games.
The clear-bag policy has been adopted by several college athletic conferences and professional sports in recent years, following terrorist attacks at sporting events, concerts and campuses across the globe. The University of South Carolina and Clemson both have clear-bag policies per SEC and ACC rules, as does the RBC Heritage present by Boeing PGA Tour golf tournament.
“More and more high schools throughout the state are going to this,” Oetting said. “It is becoming more and more common.”
However, board member William Smith, whose district includes St. Helena and Lady’s Island, raised questions about the challenges a clear-bag policy might present for some students and parents in July at a district operations committee meeting.
“They don’t have to have clear bookbags in school,” Smith said. “So if we do clear bookbags for these facilities, then we need to do clear bookbags for all facilities at all times. It’s very controversial, because I don’t know what little Johnny or what little Bonnie’s parents can afford.”
Non-clear backpacks will not be allowed at games, according to the press release. Schools will sell school-logo clear bags at sporting events which are permissible, in addition to other clear bags.
The clear-bag policy is an administrative regulation, which are policies that Superintendent Frank Rodriguez can implement without board approval, as long as the board was notified.
Uniformed law enforcement officers will still be present at games, according to the release.
This story was originally published November 22, 2019 at 4:43 PM.