Florida Students Face Long Lines at School Metal Detectors

Broward County Public Schools in Florida issued an apology on Monday after newly installed metal detectors caused significant delays for students on the first day of classes. High school students, including those at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, faced long lines that extended onto sidewalks as staff struggled to manage the influx of students through security checkpoints. The situation was particularly concerning given the school's tragic history, where a mass shooting occurred in 2018. Students reported waiting for up to an hour to enter their schools, with some, like 17-year-old Lukas Paez, experiencing delays due to the detectors being triggered by common items such as belt buckles and notebook spirals. Parents expressed frustration over the lengthy wait times, with one mother, Madeline Reyes, criticizing the inadequate number of detectors at entrances and suggesting that students would need to arrive much earlier to navigate the security process. While some parents acknowledged the importance of safety measures, they also voiced concerns about the conditions students faced while waiting in the heat. Leticia Abaladejo, a parent outside Flanagan High School, described the experience as "horrible," highlighting the discomfort of students standing in the sun. Reports indicated that students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas who arrived early were still waiting in line nearly an hour later. In response to the issues, Howard Hepburn, a district official, urged students to avoid bringing metal items to expedite the process and assured the community that improvements would be made to enhance the experience.