Dallas, Texas Woman Pushing Mandate for Clear Plastic Tote Bags at High School Sports Events to Help Stop Student Killings By Concealed Weapons

When Dallas, Texas businesswoman Verna Melton realized most school shootings resulted from students and others intent on harming fellow students, teachers, etc., by carrying concealed weapons to school and high school football games to kill or wound other students or teachers.

With her foremost thoughts centering on the safety of school children, Dallas community advocate Verna Thomas-Melton launched the public safety campaign to mandate the use of the PVC clear bags before Dallas City Council in February 2014. She later met with Cotton Bowl officials to have the NFL bag policy enforced at the stadium for the upcoming State Fair football games. Mrs. Thomas-Melton is the owner of VM Graphics and will offer all schools and non-profits an opportunity to purchase the required bags through her website at www.vmgraphics.org.

Her concerns were further enlightened when she read the article and ruling established by Southwest Airlines in conjunction with their Annual State Fair Classic Football game between Grambling State University and Prairie View College, asking attendees to bring themselves to the game and leave the big bags and backpacks at home. The bag restrictions are designed to enhance security while speeding up entry into stadium.

With the exception of medically necessary items, only clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches will be allowed. One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags also will be allowed, as will small clear plastic bags approximately the size of someone’s hand, with or without a handle or strap.

One of those clear bags and a small clutch bag will be allowed per person. Binoculars, cameras, and smartphones also will be permitted. Banned items will include purses larger than a clutch bag; coolers; briefcases; backpacks; fanny packs; cinch bags; seat cushions; luggage; computer bags; and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size. “Fans attending games at the Cotton Bowl deserve to be in a safe and secure environment,” Dallas City Councilman Dwaine Caraway said. “Public safety has and will continue to be our top priority.

This measure will provide a safer environment and create a quicker experience at the gates. We appreciate the cooperation of game fans.”

CLEAR TOTES

Clear Event backpack

Clear Event Totes

Game Day Clear Stadium Tote