No backpacks, purses allowed in Waukesha West High School classrooms

By Shelley Walcott

CREATED Aug. 30, 2012 - UPDATED: Aug. 30, 2012

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  • Shelley Walcott reports Video by 620wtmj.com

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WAUKESHA- Starting this year Waukesha West High School students will be allowed to bring backpacks and purses to school, just not to class.

The principal at Waukesha West High School says he's introduced the new rule for three reasons: injuries, thefts and drugs.

Senior Abbie Chobot says she can't imagine being without her backpack.

"The school is rather large, and I'm a short person, so I guess carrying my stuff to and from class is a lot to carry in your arms and a lot of ground to cover," said Chobot to TODAY'S TMJ4.  "We can't even take a sling purse a small purse, nothing."

Principal David Towers told TODAY'S TMJ4 it's a safety issue.  He wouldn't go on camera, but told TODAY'S TMJ4's Shelley Walcott a couple of teachers tripped over bags last year.

Principal Towers said backpack thefts were a problem.  And, he's worried about illegal substances such as drugs, alcohol and weapons.

But students say banning book bags isn't the solution.

Principal Towers said he realizes students are upset, but he won't be changing this rule this year.

A similar "no backpack rule" is still in place at Germantown High School, where Towers used to be the principal.