After issues at Sequoia’s first football game of the season arose on Sept. 5, the administration implemented a new policy prohibiting backpacks and bags at football and basketball games.

During the first football game against Sequoia’s rival school, Woodside, a massive turnout led to problems with alcohol and drug abuse. Police cars, ambulances and more arrived at the scene, making it a hectic night. Less than a week after the game, the administration decided to add a new policy prohibiting backpacks, bags and large purses from any Terremere field football games or Gym 1 basketball games. Reusable water bottles are allowed as long as they’re empty and small bags/purses are allowed but will likely be searched.

“I understand why they implemented the policy because of the unfortunate events that happened at the first football game [and] it’s good that some change happened,” senior Thomas Burt said. “[But] I think that it’s a bit over intrusive.”

This isn’t the first time Sequoia’s heard of substance abuse at school events, although it is the first time a bag policy like this has been created. According to administration, they’ve been talking about this policy for a long time.

“Some things happened there that just kind of demonstrated that this was the time to enact more stringent safety protocols,” Administrative Vice Principal Gary Gooch said.

Although administration is confident that the policy will stay, students have many different theories as to what will happen.

“I think the future of this policy is that it will get rescinded because many students will no longer show up at games and that will cause a loss in funds and a loss in school spirit,” sophomore Zara Ahsan said.

Despite some students believing that this policy won’t last very long, administration has a different plan.

“[The policy] could change to be even more stringent.”

According to Gooch, the changes in attendance are a positive change.

“If an individual is coming to an event to cause trouble, they will likely make the choice to go somewhere else,” Gooch said.

Administration has received a large amount of praise from Sequoia’s parents and alumni because of their actions.

“We received several emails from people [and] parents [saying], ‘Thank you so much, I feel so much better about my child attending a school-sponsored event when I’m not there,’” Gooch said.

Although there are many differing opinions, the administration’s objective was achieved.

“The number one goal is to make sure that Sequoia students can be here to learn or at an event to enjoy themselves and not have to worry about being unsafe,” Gooch said.