Beginning on Monday, August 21, 2023 – the first day of the 2023/24 school year – Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) students will only be allowed to carry clear backpacks and bags on school campuses. The proactive measure, which applies to all grades from pre-K – 12, is an additional layer of security being added to the district’s ongoing safety and security efforts.
“Providing safe learning environments that are conducive to student learning is of the highest importance, not just for Broward County Public Schools but for school districts across the nation,” said BCPS Interim Superintendent Earlean C. Smiley. “This added layer of security is a game-changer. It will allow school security personnel and everyone on campus to quickly spot and report if someone has brought a prohibited item to school, and it will also help serve as a deterrent.”
Only clear, see-through backpacks and bags – which include lunch boxes, purses, duffel bags, fanny packs, etc. – will be allowed on school campuses for all students in grades pre-K – 12. Mesh and colored backpacks are NOT permitted, even if they are transparent.
The only exceptions that will be permitted are:
*A small non-transparent pouch for personal hygiene items
*Thermal food containers carried inside clear lunch boxes
*School-approved sport-specific carrying cases for athletic equipment
*School-approved instrument-specific carrying cases for band equipment
The new measure does not apply to teachers, staff, volunteers, or visitors.
For more information, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit browardschools.com/clearbackpacks.
