— In New Jersey, the United States District Court, dismissed a lawsuit filed by a student who refused to comply with the Bag Policy. The Bag Policy, in pertinent part states, “All students are permitted to carry clear book bags only. Purses and oversized bags are not permitted. Students may carry electronic device(s) in a small sleeve/protective cover, a water bottle, book(s)/notebook(s) and a small purse.” In dismissing the lawsuit, the court ruled that, “it is well-established that “students within the school environment have a lesser expectation of privacy than members of the population generally… Furthermore, courts around the country give great deference to school officials in effectuating policies and procedures to protect student safety…. Requiring all students who choose to use a backpack to use a translucent one while at school appears clearly within the school district’s discretion in an effort to ensure and promote school safety.” Krasil v. Betze
–In New York, the Buffalo School Board President called a special school board meeting requesting the Superintendent to provide an update on school safety. The request comes after incidents in which violence canceled a football game, victimized an employee and a student during the school day, and the arrest of a person who sparred with several students on the lawn outside a school.
— In Indiana, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office is determining whether to remove school resource officers and deploy them on patrol because of funding and staff shortages. The issue is arising because, “deputies are leaving the county to work for other departments in Indiana that are offering thousands more dollars in wages.”
— In Oklahoma, Bartlesville Police will get ballistic shields for its school resource officers, thanks to a $5,000 donation from a local auto dealer. The ballistic shields can be used to help protect both officers and students if an active shooter were to come onto campus.