From boutiques to sporting goods stores, retailers across Vicksburg are stocked with clear bags and purses. These see-through fashion accessories have become a literal must-have for students attending a Vicksburg Warren School District (VWSD) sporting event.
In 2015, the NFL adopted a clear-bag policy, which meant those entering the stadium could no longer walk in with a purse, backpack or any other type of carry-on, unless it was clear and met certain other requirements. Officials said the intention of the policy was keeping folks safe.
Shortly after the NFL put in place this added security measure, many college teams followed suit. In Mississippi, a clear-bag policy was implemented at Jackson State University in 2016. Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi put in place a clear-bag policy after it was adopted by the Southeastern Conference in 2017, and Alcorn State University followed suit a year later.
Last week, VWSD officials approved a clear-bag policy that will go into effect at the first sporting event after school starts.
VWSD Athletics Director James Lewis said the policy is something he has been wanting to do for a while.
“I was glad that I was allowed to upload it for approval and that our school board decided that it was needed,” he said.
Lewis said having a clear-bag policy can make those who attend events feel a little more secure. He wanted to be proactive rather than reactive in implementing it.
“I want to be in a place where we all feel comfortable,” he said. “We have some really big events that draw some large crowds, and it was just in my mind I want people to be at ease. It’s an ever-changing landscape and we just can’t be left behind.”
When schools choose to adopt a clear-bag policy, Lewis said, it is up to that school to inform the community and the visiting teams.
The Natchez Adams School District adopted a clear-bag policy last year. After the VWSD was made aware, coaches reminded their players that if family and friends were traveling to the game they would have to abide by the policy.
Lewis said the VWSD has put its guidelines — some of which are still being finalized — on its Facebook page as part of a public relations push to notify people.
“Every time we have a game for any sport, I’ll shoot an email to visiting athletic directors and also their building principals and let them know (about the new policy). And I will send over our clear-bag policy, graphics, and the explanation page to share with them what the dos and don’ts are,” Lewis said. “So, they’ll be aware before they get to our entrance gates and our campuses.”
Lewis said the graphics that were posted for board approval were just a sample. The Vicksburg Post will publish the information when the official policy is determined.
“We have kind of tweaked it and we will be unveiling our official clear-bag policy graphic as well as a one-page explanation to break down what is expected,” Lewis said.
In addition to Natchez, Meridian has implemented a clear-bag policy. In an earlier interview, Lewis said he spoke with officials from both schools and was told that after the clear-bag policy was implemented, there was a major reduction in game day incidents.
Lewis said checkpoints will be set up for people to come through during VWSD events and there will be a visual inspection of everyone’s clear bag.
“We actually have a security company that we contract with,” he said. “Everybody should know that all bags are subject to be inspected and then once they’re clear, they’ll be free to enter the facility or the stadium and grab their seat.”
There will be exceptions to the clear-bag policy for medical equipment and diaper bags. Anyone entering with a diaper bag, however, must have a young baby with them.
“But again, all bags will be subject to inspection, whether they’re a diaper bag or a medical bag, just to make sure that nothing is being brought into our facilities illegally,” he said.
Gates always open an hour before events, Lewis said, so spectators might want to arrive early to allow extra time to get through security lines — especially early in the season as the policy is being implemented and procedures are refined.
The clear-bag policy for the VWSD will officially roll out on the first day of school and will be implemented at the very first sporting event — a volleyball game between Warren Central and St. Al at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8.
The first football games are the Red Carpet Bowl at Warren Central High School on Friday, Aug. 30, when Vicksburg High School will play Holmes County Central and Warren Central will take on Clinton in a doubleheader beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Lewis said he has contacted 601 Sports, a supporter of the VWSD, to let them know of the clear-bag policy so they can stock up.
“We do have some clear bags, now,” 601 Sports owner Cindy Martin-Nez said. “But we are going to market and will have more.”
Martin-Nez said she is hoping to get clear bags that have red and green shoulder straps, so spectators can show their school spirit.
Lewis said people don’t have to spend a lot of money on clear bags because there are inexpensive ones available. They can still have plenty of fun with their bags, though, he said.
“I had a parent that I bumped into today at media day bragging about how they found a Michael Kors clear bag and they’re excited to roll it out,” Lewis said. “We want this thing to be engaging but also safe. But at the same time, you know, let’s have a little fun. It can be a fashion statement.”
Lewis said, for now, the clear-bag policy only applies to sporting events and is not a requirement for students during normal school hours or at other non-sports-related VWSD events.
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