Stoneman Douglas will only allow clear backpacks provided by the Florida high school to be worn by students when they return from spring break next month.
Among other security measures announced, students will be required to wear identification badges at all times and could see metal detectors added to entrances, the Miami Herald reported.
The Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel reported that eight Florida Highway Patrol officers offered by Florida Gov. Rick Scott will guard the outside entrances of the school in Parkland, scene last month of one of the worst school shootings in U.S. history when 17 students and staff members were killed.
The increased security measures were revealed the same week Zachary Cruz, brother of accused gunman Nikolas Cruz, was arrested for trespassing on campus after being warned repeatedly to stay away, the Herald reported, and two other students were taken into custody for carrying knives to school.
Also, a Broward County deputy was suspended after he was reportedly found sleeping in his vehicle in front of the school this week, according to USA Today. That brought disdain from Florida’s U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.
"Of all the schools in America, you would think this would be the safest one right now," Rubio said. "This is so outrageous it's almost impossible to believe."
Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie announced the security changes for Stoneman Douglas and all Broward County schools, the Sun Sentinel said.
"It's going to be a substantial change from where we are today, and it's going to create some inconvenience," Runcie said. "But folks are going to have to realize you're going to have to accept some level of inconvenience for the enhanced security that's going to be implemented."
According to the Miami Herald, the announced changes include:
▪ Evaluating current code red training protocols.
▪ Expediting the completion of 'Single Point Entry' measures for campus visitors to limit access to one entry.
▪ Adding – with help of state funding – school resource officers so there will be a minimum of one school resource officer in each school beginning next school year.
▪ Upgrading school surveillance systems.
▪ Increasing mental health services in schools.
"While we can't change the heartbreaking and senseless act of violence at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, by working together, we can change the future," Runcie said, per the Herald. "All students deserve safe schools. We are proud of our students' determination to effect positive change in this country – and for the incredible support from the Broward community and across the country."
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.