Akron's Firestone CLC bans large metal water bottles to address safety concerns

AKRON, Ohio — Firestone Community Learning Center (CLC) has banned students from bringing large opaque metal beverage containers to school, citing safety and security concerns, Akron Public Schools (APS) confirmed in a statement to 3News.

APS officials say the new guidelines were enacted after repeated incidents in which the cups were used to conceal contraband, and in one case last year, a teacher was injured during a fight where a metal bottle was used as a weapon.

Officials also noted that opaque bottles delay security screenings, since safety officers must manually check containers for prohibited items such as cell phones and headphones.

Under the new rules, students may carry any clear, plastic or transparent drink container. The restriction does not apply to thermoses used for f