Michigan Schools Ban Backpacks as Safety Measure Against Gun Violence

A second school district in Michigan has banned backpacks on school premises due to concerns about gun violence after a third-grade student was found with a loaded gun. Grand Rapids public schools said the ban was necessary after discovering a student with a handgun for the fourth time this year. Flint community schools banned backpacks beginning 1 May, citing a nationwide “increase in threatening behavior and contraband, including weapons, being brought into schools at all levels”.