Starting last year, many football games in Montgomery County Public Schools have ended in fights. This has led schools to increase security during the games including avidly checking IDs and having more security guards stationed at the games. While it is a valiant effort, the violence seems to still continue across MCPS schools. On Sept. 1, 2023, an altercation erupted after Walter Johnson High School defeated Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in football and needed police assistance.
The fight took place after the game near the Bethesda Metro Station. There have been no criminal charges on any of the individuals, but investigations are ongoing. A video was also taken of the fight and was posted on social media where many students were able to see the altercation. A joint letter released by the schools confirmed that students had been injured and many involved would receive “appropriate disciplinary action”. This incident has inspired many schools in MCPS to remind their students of healthy ways to resolve conflicts.
The community seems to have varying responses to this increase in violence. A student at Richard Montgomery High School, Natalie Marmelstein, has her own thoughts.
“I think it is probably safer than last year. I think it is safer; they are getting a lot more strict about showing IDs which I think is very important,” Marmelstein said.
The importance of checking student IDs has grown exponentially over the past two years. After the numerous gun incidents at different schools in MCPS, many require student IDs to get into the building. Now that violence has found its way into the football games, the student identification is even more essential. However, the lengths that are being taken to make events safer, may not be enough considering the recent altercation.
A big change made by many schools has been enforcing limited seating as a majority of schools only fill up their stadiums to 75% capacity. Additionally, many games have been moved to Thursday nights instead of Friday nights. So far, it seems to be working at Richard Montgomery.
“The games are on Thursdays now too although that is not good for the spirit or attendance, it is making it more safe because kids know they have to go to school [the next day],” Marmelstein said.
There are many different reactions from various students, but there seems to be a general agreement that safety should be the biggest priority. Maryam Mohamed, a junior at RMHS, when asked about the increased security at RM football games, said she has not seen any difference, but is hopeful that it means the new measures are working.
“I haven’t been hearing about an uptick in the amount of violent incidents,”Mohamed said.
As of now, MCPS schools are constantly adjusting policies to make sure safety is present at all events and all situations.
“I think the schools are making great strides to balancing safety and fun,” Marmelstein said.
Written by Maggie McLaughlin of Richard Montgomery High School
Photo courtesy of Flickr