All attendees at the Battle-Hickman varsity football game tonight at Hickman must adhere to the new clear bag policy aimed at providing more security for CPS facilities. This policy states that only clear bags will be admitted into events. This comes as a change to past year policies when backpacks were allowed. The only additional bags permitted are small clutches no larger than 4.5 by 6.5 inches that fit in a person’s hand. According to an infographic published by CPS, “medical exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.”
The policy states that all bags will be searched without any exceptions. At a recent home game, bags that were not clear but were considered exceptions were hand-checked. Battle’s athletic director Ms. Samantha Symonds said that the goal of the new policy is to “make sure all of our facilities are safe at all times. The more we can see the safer we are.” Symonds said that the policy has been working “fine so far,” however, the biggest issue getting into the game is for people who have not learned of the new policy.
Symonds confirmed BHS is providing plastic gallon-size storage bags at home games for fans to use as a backup for those who do not have clear bags. Reusable, durable clear bags that meet the policy can be purchased across many different online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target, varying in price. CPS policy states that failure to comply with expectations could result in denial of admission or removal from sporting events. CPS has been promoting the new policy through local news media as well as student and parent communications.
However, attendees who have not learned of the policy have experienced delays in getting into the event. “There was a huge line because out-of-town guests and grandparents had to go back to their cars as they were unaware of the policy,” said senior Henley Tarwater. Additionally students are adapting to the new policy. Tarwater continued, “I don’t bring a bag but my friends do, and I have to wait on them to get into the game because they have to get their bag checked.”
