On March 10th, 2024, Marriotts Ridge High School (MRHS) announced an incoming ban on school backpacks. With them being one of the most efficient ways to carry around pounds of notebooks, papers and pencils, students were shocked and confused as to how they would carry on.
“The ban is going to be really problematic. I would have to carry 5 notebooks and a whole chromebook for the entire day.” expressed junior Amrei Greer.
The ban was caused by a group of students breaking school policy. Students used their bags to smuggle in and resell items at an obnoxiously high price. Overtime, word spread that the trading evolved into scamming and hazing.
“People were losing hundreds because of scams that went on in the bathroom. Without bags, they wouldn’t be able to fall victim to those scams, or be the ones scamming.” explained junior Zoya Ali.
Another issue MRHS had with bags was thievery. Two years ago, students were stealing school property on the basis of following a rising social media trend, known as devious licks. Although the rage died down for a couple months, it returned, and some students are exploiting their big bags to steal even more school property.
“I saw a bunch of kids sneak an entire tray of snacks into their backpacks. I honestly don’t know how they got away with it!” said Ali.
Other students, while understanding the school’s worries, still believe that there are other ways to fix the problem.
“I heard that someone took the lunch cashier and put it into their bag. I understand that the stealing is getting out of hand, but the school probably could’ve done something better than just banning backpacks.” said junior Mahika Juneja.
Although there are some differences between a citizen’s rights and a student’s rights (since students are bound to school specific policies), some things should not be inflicted onto students. Noah Journo, a junior, believes that the school should not be able to take away their bags because of other students’ misconduct.
“I personally think this is against our rights as students.” Journo opinionated.
Now that backpacks are being banned, how would students go about bringing homework? How would teachers assign physical assignments if it became more difficult to carry them around? Fortunately, the answer is already within the students’ hands. Schools were already moving more content online, and because so much of the classes’ curriculum can be found on Canvas, a chromebook might just be the students’ new carryall.
“I think I will just digitize all my notes and carry around only my chromebook. It’s easier that way.” said Journo.
Regardless if they support the upcoming ban, students still hold tightly onto their beloved bags. But with the incidents continuing, its caused many to speculate on the future of the ban, and its indefinite future.