When students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High return from spring break, they will be required to carry clear backpacks, Broward County school officials said.
The new requirement was announced Wednesday by Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert Runice after the Parkland school experienced a number security issues in recent days.
A number of incidents this week at Stoneman Douglas have students and faculty on edge:
- Two students were accused of bringing knives to the school
- Another student posted threatening messages on Snapchat
- Zachary Cruz, the brother of Nikolas Cruz, trespassed on the school grounds Monday
- A sheriff's deputy was accused of sleeping in his patrol car while on duty at the school
More than 700 students stayed home from school on Wednesday after the incidents. Both Runice and Gov. Rick Scott have said they are working to improve security at the school.
"Parents, students and teachers have recently endured one of the worst tragedies in Florida history," Scott said. "They must be assured that every necessary step is being taken to increase safety and ensure no unauthorized people are allowed on campus."
In addition to the backpacks, Runice said students and faculty must wear identification badges on campus. The school district is also considering consolidating entry points to the school and using metal detecting wands.
"While we cannot change the heartbreaking and senseless act of violence at Marjory Stoneman Douglas by working together, we can change the future," Runcie said.