MI School District Bans Backpacks After Finding Third-Grader With Gun

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Grand Rapids Public Schools are banning backpacks after officials said they found a third-grader with a loaded gun Wednesday morning.

Officials said they found the handgun in the student's backpack at Stocking Elementary School, making it the fourth time officials confiscated a handgun from a student on school grounds — three of them in backpacks.

Principal Michael Thomasma urged parents to safely store their weapons and keep them away from children.

"As responsible adults, we must be the first line of defense in protecting our young people," Thomasma said. "I implore you to pay close attention to what your scholars bring with them when they leave your homes."

Grand Rapids school officials said the ban goes into effect immediately, but didn't specify how students will carry their books and belongings.

Grand Rapids Public Schools becomes the second district in Michigan to ban backpacks. Flint Community Schools banned backpacks starting on May 1, citing a nationwide "increase in threatening behavior and contraband, including weapons, being brought into schools at all levels."

Flint students are allowed to carry belongings in small purses or clear plastic bags, which will be searched by officials before entering the building.

The news also comes as Michigan lawmakers passed numerous gun-control legislation, such as universal background checks and safe storage laws. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is also expected to sign red-flag legislation, which would make Michigan the 20th state in the nation with such laws.