UNION COUNTY, N.C. — The Union County Public Schools Superintendent Andrew Houlihan was loud and clear at Tuesday night's board meeting as he recited new rules for athletic games.
Just last Friday, a fight near a football stadium forced a game to end early. Houlihan said it's just one of several incidents this school year.
"We have had many conversations with our law enforcement partners about a number of items and it is time we change a few practices and policies moving forward," he said.
On Friday, the Monroe Police Department said it identified over 25 people who participated in the fights at school events, including eight adults, nine students who attend Monroe High School and Forest Hills High School, five Anson County students and four non-students who reside in Monroe.
The new policy is effective this Friday, Oct. 6 and allows only clear bags at events and games. There are size restrictions, which prohibits bags larger than four and a half inches by six and a half inches. Medical and baby bags are subject to search.
Middle and elementary school students must have an adult, age 21 or older, as a chaperone. Lastly, all ticket sales will end at halftime or at the mid-point of an event.
"I’m asking that our students parents and community partner with us to keep our games and events safe at all times and enjoyable for all who attend," Houlihan said.
In addition to these new protocols, UCPS introduced a new policy about criminal behavior. It outlines how school officials discipline students and cooperate with law enforcement for criminal activity on school grounds or related to school events.
Superintendent Houlihan said this is all to reiterate that safety is the school district's No. 1 priority.
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
WCNC Charlotte’s Wake Up Charlotte has the latest news and weather from the WCNC Charlotte morning team. Watch all the latest stories from the Wake Up Charlotte morning team in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.