Parents Divided Over Texas School's Backpack Ban Policy

A recent policy at Coach Archie Duran Elementary in northeast El Paso has stirred controversy among parents. The school has banned third through fifth-grade students from bringing backpacks, forcing kids to carry their supplies by hand. Parents are raising concerns about the practicality and safety of this rule.

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One parent, Brian Gonzalez, worries about the risk of students falling down the stairs without their hands free to hold the rail. “They could trip and fall,” he said, expressing frustration over the new rule. Another concerned guardian, Sally Andrade, shared that her grandson often forgets items like his water bottle and homework since his hands are full. “He really needs a backpack,” Andrade noted.

According to Norma De La Rosa, President of the El Paso Teacher Association, the policy might stem from safety concerns in crowded classrooms. “There wasn’t a day I didn’t almost trip over a backpack,” she explained.

Despite the pushback, some parents support the ban, like Theresa Martin, who believes it eases the burden on kids’ backs. However, others argue that the restriction should apply across all grades, not just third through fifth.

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The El Paso Independent School District has yet to provide a clear rationale behind the decision, leaving many parents still seeking answers.

As the debate continues, the community remains divided on whether this new rule truly serves the best interests of students.

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Source: Texas Elementary School Sparks Debate with New Backpack Ban

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