Barahona school mandates transparent backpacks to curb violence

The Instituto Tecnológico Federico Henríquez y Carvajal in Barahona is implementing a mandatory transparent backpack policy for the upcoming school year, a move aimed at bolstering security and preventing violence within the institution.

The decision, made in conjunction with the school's management and discipline committees and the Parent-Teacher Association, comes after several incidents where prohibited items were found on students. Director Deicy Alejandrina Mesa Espinosa reported that random searches have uncovered items such as knives, stun guns, vapes, hookahs, alcoholic beverages, and pepper spray.

"We have found knives, vapes, stun guns, and awls," Mesa Espinosa stated, emphasizing the goal of transparent backpacks is to make it easier to supervise items students bring to school and reduce the risk of dangerous objects entering the campus. She added that random searches also occur in classrooms, and students exhibiting suspicious behavior are subject to personal searches.

Mesa Espinosa indicated that approximately 90% of parents support the new policy and denied any commercial agreements for backpack sales, assuring families are free to purchase them from any vendor. Prices range from 400 to 500 pesos, depending on brand and quality. The measure was communicated to parents during the 2026-2027 school year registration period. Students arriving with non-transparent backpacks will be given a grace period to comply.