After numerous school threats, community and religious leaders have pressured the DeSoto Independent School District to implement new safety protocols at the team’s homecoming game last Friday. The contest, which saw the Eagles truly drub Mesquite 71-0, was supported by the recently introduced measures.
Extra security was on hand as students from both schools were forced to wear school-issued identification at the game. Eagles fans were only allowed on the home side. Those that didn’t attend either school had to be accompanied by a parent or guardian to enter the stadium.
Students in attendance were also instructed to follow a dress code, including appropriate length jeans without holes, approved footwear, and a ban on hoodies. Additionally, if students were caught hanging out around the concourse without being in line for concessions, they were escorted off of the premises.
Students who didn’t abide by these guidelines were removed immediately or denied entrance.
The rules came after numerous recent threats of violence, including the shooting deaths of two Dallas ISD students. Online hoaxes have gotten so bad, that Duncanville ISD held a press conference last week to bring attention to a troubling amount of school threats. Schools across North Texas and the state have seen a growing trend of such threats recently. Despite most proving to be fake, the consequences are real, with students arrested and even a district cancelling classes for the day.
More details on the safety protocols can be found on the district’s website, including a breakdown of their new bag policy.
