On Friday, March 1st, the Wake County Public School System implemented a new clear bag policy for all extracurricular events. Many parents, spectators, and students have been unaware of this new policy, leading to them being denied entry at the doors of the event. Although some may see this as extra, others see it as necessary for the safety of the players, performers, and fellow spectators. 

Prior to the implementation of this new policy, many spectators already brought clear bags to Wake County events. While many have been following this policy for years now, nearly 10% of people surveyed were unaware of this new policy. Even while 90% of people knew about the clear bag policy, 19% of people knew someone who had been denied entry because they didn’t have a clear bag. 

We asked students at Panther Creek, why they thought the new policy was being implemented and nearly all responded with general safety concerns such as issues with weapons and substances being brought onto school campuses. 

With the new policy being in effect now, many wondered if this policy makes people feel a greater sense of safety while at school events. We asked senior Abby Howe about her feelings on the new policy and she said “I definitely feel safer now than before”, according to our survey, 57% of students agree with Howe. Howe also told us “One time my Mother had to go put her wallet back in the car because it was too big”. With that, many agree that the new policy is being enforced very well. 

With this policy being relatively new to many, the sense of safety in parents, spectators, players, and performers has already increased. Although some may see this as extra, others see it as necessary for the safety of the players, performers, and fellow spectators.