Six Albuquerque Public Schools will require students to use only clear backpacks starting Tuesday, the latest measure in the district’s efforts to address weapons on campus.
Del Norte High School and five middle schools — Wilson, Kennedy, Hayes, Washington and Cleveland — will implement the policy, joining Taylor Middle School, which already mandated clear backpacks. The district purchased thousands of clear backpacks and will distribute them free to students who need them.
The requirement comes as APS grapples with a series of weapon incidents. In August, two guns were found at West Mesa High School, and days later, five students were arrested with firearms at various APS campuses in a single day.
“Something is broken in our society,” Superintendent Dr. Gabriella Blakey said following the August arrests.
The district said the clear backpack policy is based on survey results from students, families and staff at the affected schools. The measure aims to enhance security by making backpack contents visible.Neighboring Bernalillo Public Schools announced a similar clear backpack requirement in August, reflecting broader regional concerns about school safety.
Any small positive step is appreciated. I donate clear backpacks every year bia CABQ public library collection points for APS.