Horry County School District implements policies

By Kaye Collins

Parents of Horry County School District students should anticipate the implementation of various security protocols as schools commence in the Horry County District. This marks the second year that students are mandated to use clear backpacks. This policy requires that all students bringing backpacks to school must use transparent, see-through bags. Furthermore, as part of the enhanced security measures, students will need to pass through weapon screening devices supported by AI, Artificial Intelligence, at every school in the district.

Although non-transparent backpacks are not allowed, students may bring non-clear athletic bags, instrument cases, lunchboxes and necessary medical supplies. Small opaque pouches for personal items like cell phones, cash and hygiene products are permitted, as long as they are visible or held in hand and can be inspected.

Items that are not allowed include purses that exceed the size of a clutch bag, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs and cinch or drawstring bags. Additionally, other prohibited items consist of coolers, alcoholic drinks, aerosol and spray containers, mace or pepper spray and more.

The metal detectors and device monitoring systems are designed to scan for and identify weapons, vapes and other prohibited items using AI-assisted programs.

Some students, parents and other stakeholders have raised concerns about privacy, especially regarding the visibility of certain personal belongings through clear backpacks, which they believe could lead to embarrassment. Other parents agree, emphasizing the need to honor teenagers’ privacy and their wish to keep personal items private. The district recognizes these issues and allows personal items to be kept in a small, opaque container. Nevertheless, all non-transparent bags, purses, or lunch kits will be subject to inspection.

The detectors are capable of disregarding devices such as laptops and cell phones during weapon scans. According to him, since the installation of these detectors in the district, no weapons have been brought into the school.

Horry County Schools employs AI technology to monitor inappropriate behavior, threats, and instances of cyberbullying on both personal devices of students and faculty connected to the school Wi-Fi, as well as on all school-issued devices, regardless of whether they are being used at home or on campus. The system is designed to detect very specific and clear indicators, such as searches for weapons, mentions of attacks directed at individuals, and references to drugs, alcohol, vaping and other harmful substances that could affect students.

Clear bags have been mandated at district athletic events for several years. Staff members stationed at the gates use wands and scanners to inspect attendees before allowing entry into games. All non-clear items are subject to search and may be denied entry into stadiums, gyms, or tracks.

The adoption of clear bag requirements has become prevalent in schools, stadiums and other event venues nationwide as a measure to combat gun violence. For more information, visit https://www.horrycountyschools.net/clearbackpacks.