"Backpacks make it easier for students to hide weapons, which can be disassembled and harder to identify or hidden in pockets, inside books or under other items.”

Flint, Mich., Community Schools, regarding its decision to ban backpacks over safety concerns. The public school district will instead allow students to carry clear plastic bags with gym clothes, lunchboxes and small purses containing personal items, “within reason.” (NPR — May 4, 2023)