Dallas ISD has rolled out new safety protocols for sporting events following a series of recent violent incidents within the district.
All students attending sports games within the district without a parent or adult responsible for the student must present a current student badge for entry. The badge must prove that the student attends a Dallas ISD school competing in the sporting event.
Additionally, students without a district ID or a student ID from other high schools are not permitted to enter sporting events unless accompanied by an adult.
Middle and elementary school students must be accompanied by an adult at any athletic event in the district.
The new safety regulations do not apply to students competing in sporting events as competitors or related student activity groups so long as a coach or group sponsor accompanies them.
“Stadium safety and security personnel will be on-site to assist students who need to contact a parent or guardian for a ride home,” wrote Dallas ISD. “This requirement applies to all district athletic facilities, including pools, gymnasiums, and stadiums.”
On August 26, a Dallas ISD school student brought a gun onto campus, as reported by The Dallas Express. Campus staff at Solar Preparatory School for Boys safely secured the weapon before anyone was hurt.
“As part of our long-term safety plan, we will implement new security measures starting Monday, to include metal detectors for sixth through eighth grade. Additionally, we will perform backpack checks for scholars in third grade and up,” Principal Derek Thomas wrote in a letter to parents, according to NBC 5 DFW.
Additionally, in August, a student was stabbed in the bathroom at Woodrow Wilson High, also a Dallas ISD school.
The student, who was stabbed with a pocketknife, was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, per DX.
Following a Dallas ISD shooting in April, the district rolled out new security protocols including retraining staff and security personnel on using wands and inspecting backpacks. Schedules were amended to ensure adequate personnel were present to monitor students going through metal detectors at arrival and dismissal.
These added security protocols came after students staged a walkout the week after the shooting in April, protesting lax security measures on campus, reported DX.