Full of Promise? Or Empty Solutions?: Jenks and Their New Clear Bag Policy
By Reese Watson
We all know the feeling, the moment when lights blind your eyes, when your ears violently shake from the echo of the crowd's cheers, when the only thing you can smell is cheaply buttered popcorn, as your body is closely crammed against the backs of fans. Friday’s are spent at stadiums, on courts, waving banners and screaming at the top of your lungs.
Safety is key when holding large sporting events, especially with a new string of violent acts taking place across the country--and even close to home, like the recent deadly shooting that took place at a Choctaw High School football game--knowing what goes in and out of a facility is key to several important sports seasons. Because of this, Jenks High School has implemented a clear bag policy for the Allan Trimble stadium, which has recently gone into effect since September 8th, more specifically for both Union and Jenks Backyard Bowl.
“The clear bag requirements at Allan Trimble Stadium were put in place prior to the Jenks-Union football game and based on collaboration with other school districts in our area,” said Jenks High Schools Athletic Director, Tony Dillingham. “This process also included district administrators, Athletic Department staff and JPS Police Department, as well as our local law enforcement.”
According to the rules, bags must meeting the following requirements: clear plastic tote bags that do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12, one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags, small clutch bags (with or without handle or strap) not exceeding 4.5” x 6.5, and an exception will be made for medically necessary items and diaper bags when accompanied by a child.
Jenks High Schools clear bag policy. Photo Credit: https://www.jenksps.org/live-feed
This a good step for safety across the campus, and more specifically school sanctioned events, yet the most frequent question being asked is, is it enough?
“I feel like the clear bag policy at Jenks doesn't really do a lot, just because I've been to the football games where it feels like it's not really being enforced, especially at the activity pass gate--no ones really checking the bags,” said Varsity Track Runner and football fan, Favor Mulalira (12). “But I feel like it's a good idea especially with what happened with Del City, making sure those policies are in place before something happens is very smart.”
Others also agree with this statement, and want to see more means of safety enforced. One of those people being Varsity Cheerleader, Kaitlyn Webb (12), who is at almost every major athletic event hosted at Jenks High School.
“I think this policy is a great start, but people can still find ways to bring harmful things in. I mean there’s always that fear that someone could bring something into the football games,” said Webb. “I feel like metal detectors would be a solid next step, we have them at things like graduation, homecoming, and prom and it doesn't take that long to go through; it's just an extra precaution.”
Metal detectors or wands are a viable next step in safety at games, in fact Sand Spring school district just recently purchased metal detectors for their own stadium. Talks around Metal detectors--both walk thru and wand--have also been discussed at Jenks, but so far nothing has come out of it.
Allan Trimble Stadium. Photo Credit: http://www.jenkstrojanfootball.com/home2.html
Another person active in the athletic community at Jenks High School who wants to see change is athletic trainer, Maya Williams (12).
“I think it's amazing, it's a good start, we need stuff like that,” said Williams, “ but I’ve never seen anyone's bags be actively checked. Even if it’s a small clutch you can still fit something in there ”
Williams also had another idea to increase safety at sporting events which could be immediately implemented.
“We need more observers, more people out there, maybe volunteer parents who are concerned about safety,” she said, “because even with metal detectors people can still bring in harmful stuff--we aren’t necessarily a very closed stadium. I’ve seen people sneak stuff in, climb over the fences.”
Clear bags are definitely not the only action that should be taking place for safety, but according to Jenks, they’re taking this as a “layered approach.”
“Clear bag policies reduce the potential for concealed weapons entering the stadium. The policy creates consistency, ensuring that everyone is subject to the same rules. Adults and students are asked to follow the same guidelines,” said Dillingham. “Those who disagree must understand that the clear bag requirement is one step in a layered approach to security. It is not the only security measure in place.”
Clear bags are a valuable resource that is in place to create a safe environment during sporting events, but there’s always more that can be done. When will kids stop having to live with that fear of the worst possible outcome--making escape routes in their heads--when all they really wanted was what everyone promised us as the best years of our lives?
One thing’s for sure, this is just the beginning, or at least it should be. More must be done or otherwise we won’t have the fans, the teams, and the freedom to carry out Friday night football, and other prominent sports like it.
For more information on Jenks High Schools clear bag policy click here.
