Grand Rapids Public Schools Ban Backpacks After Third Grader Brings Loaded Gun

I never thought I would see the day!

No more Teletubbies or Dora the Explorer backpacks.

No more roller bookbags.

Backpacks are officially banned in Grand Rapids schools.

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Backpack Ban

Grand Rapids Public Schools announced a district-wide ban on backpacks until the end of the school year.

Why you may ask?

On Wednesday, a student at  Stocking Elementary School told a staff member that another student had a weapon on school grounds. Sadly, the student was right.

A third grader brought a loaded gun to Stocking Elementary School.

The sad part is it gets crazier than that...

Repeated Situation

Unfortunately, this makes the fourth gun to be confiscated from a student in the Grand Rapids district this school year.

What is going to make the gun laws and protection more restricted?

GRPS Decision

Stocking Elementary School Principal Michael Thomasma spoke about his frustrations with the situation.

"It saddens me that such an incident occurred within our school community today. Furthermore, it is frustrating to witness the increasing frequency of similar incidents not just in Grand Rapids, but across the nation."

Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby said,

"THis is not a decision we've taken lightly, and we know this poses a significant inconvenience for our families. I am more than frustrated that a decision like this is necessary, but we must put safety first, and that's what this decision is about."

What's Next?

As of now, there are no details about what the students will be able to use to end the year. There are also no details about whether this ban will carry on into the next school year.

Do you think this ban will take effect in other districts?