Thursday night is the start of the high school football season at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School as they take on Enloe High School. Players and fans are gearing up for an exciting year, and school districts are working to keep everyone safe at games.
After multiple fights at a jamboree at Southeast Raleigh last year, Wake County Schools tightened security and introduced strict rules for games. A spokesperson for the school district says there is a "comprehensive all hazards approach" to keeping schools safe, though they declined to expand on the specific plans in place this year for "security reasons".
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Wake County Public Schools implemented a clear bag policy in 2024. Other measures include enforcing swift entries and exits, as well as an increase in law enforcement presence at games.
In Cumberland County, sheriff's deputies responded to multiple fights at the Jack Britt High School Jamboree. The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office told WRAL it will continue to work with Cumberland County Schools to make future school events as a safe as possible.
In response, a spokesperson for Cumberland County Schools told WRAL the district has "comprehensive safety measures" in place for athletic events, including a clear bag policy, weapons detection systems, and a law enforcement presence.
"These protocols will remain in place as the district continues working with law enforcement and identifying opportunities to further strengthen safety at school athletic events," said Dr. Lindsay Whitley, CCS Associate Superintendent of Communications and Community Engagement, in a statement.
Durham Public Schools is also emphasizing current policies, including a clear bag policy, no reentry, and parent/guardian requirement for elementary and middle schools students attending games.