Columbia schools ban backpacks at ballgames

Columbia Public Schools announced new rules Wednesday for people attending athletic events including football games.

Carrie Johnson, a Senior at Battle High School said, “I think that administrators are just trying to keep people safe the best that they can and they really truly believe that this policy is going to do that.”

Students up to eighth grade must now have a parent or guardian with them at the event and all students are barred from taking backpacks into athletic events, CPS spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark wrote in an email Wednesday.

Officials say student-athletes or students participating in the event are allowed to carry their items and necessary equipment in a bag or backpack into the venue.

Michelle Baumstark, the Community Relations Director for Columbia Public Schools said, “Really, it’s about making sure that we have a safe environment and that students aren’t bringing in things that don’t need to be at the games.”

Adults can still carry bags and backpacks into the venue.

Battle High School hosts Harrisonville this week, but the Rock Bridge and Hickman high school football teams are on the road.

Baumstark said CPS leaders tested out the no-backpacks rule for students rule at last week’s in-town rivalry game against Rock Bridge and it worked well. She wrote that next year CPS might consider expanding the bag rules to require clear bags.

Check back for updates to this developing story.