Madison (Ohio) Local Schools announced changes to the district's football gameday security policies following an investigation into an unsubstantiated rumor about a gun at a recent game.
As reported by cleveland.com, the district announced new safety rules last week that took meffect immediately for all future Madison High School football games.
No backpacks, duffel bags or large totes will be allowed in the MHS stadium. Exceptions include participant bags, small purses and diaper bags accompanying young children, although those bags will be subject to search.
Spectators of student age will not be permitted to leave the stadium and return during a game. The district also is telling students to remain in the stands during the game.
Last week's policy announcement comes after an investigation into a comment overheard in another school district that someone planned to bring a gun to the Madison-Holy Name football game Sept. 4.
Multiple law enforcement agencies investigated and determined there was no credible threat, Madison Local Schools Superintendent Daniel Rambler said last week.
According to Molly Walsh of cleveland.com, Rambler said the information was relayed to Madison school officials thirdhand and stemmed from a student saying they had heard about the alleged plan. He said no direct threat was made and no specific person was barred from attending the game.
"Akron Public Schools adopted similar security measures for athletic events and performances this school year, allowing only small clear bags, diaper bags and bags containing medical equipment," Walsh wrote. "The district also screens spectators with metal detectors, prohibits re-entry and restricts unaccompanied student admission to students from the participating schools."
