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Florida school shooting: Students now required to wear clear backpacks

Students at the Florida high school where 17 people were killed by a gunman have expressed frustration following measures requiring them to wear clear backpacks to school.

A secondary school student walks carrying a new transparent backpack in Guadalajara, Mexico on October 25, 2012.
A secondary school student walks carrying a new transparent backpack in Guadalajara, Mexico on October 25, 2012. Source: AFP

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By Riley Morgan


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Broward County School Superintendent Robert Runcie informed students from MS Douglas High School they would be required to wear clear backpacks as part of a number of safety measures set to be implemented across the district. 

Superintendent Runcie sent a letter to families on Wednesday outlining the security measures, following the shooting where 17 people were killed at the Parkland school on February 14.

The security measures for MS Douglas High School included student identification badges, extra security and the potential for the introduction metal detectors at the entrance of the school.

But the main measure that frustrated MS Douglas High School students was the requirement to wear clear backpacks.

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“While we cannot change the heartbreaking and senseless act of violence at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, by working together, we can change the future,” Superintendent Runcie wrote in the letter to families in the district.

"All students deserve safe schools. We are proud of our students' determination to effect positive change in this country - and for the incredible support from the Broward community and across the country."

MS Douglas High School had another incident on Wednesday after two students were charged with bringing weapons onto campus, according to CNN.

Despite the incident, many students are preparing for their trip to Washington for March for Our Lives on Saturday.

Students at the high school have become lead advocates for the campaign for stricter gun control laws and have helped mobilise a national movement.

This included spearheading the national walkout event that saw tens of thousands of teachers and students walk out of school to protest lax gun control laws.


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