Howard University Clear Bag Policy. Approved bags: clear fanny packs 12" x 12" x 6" or smaller; Other clear bags 12" x 12" x 6" or smaller; Baby bags (subject to inspection); Medical bas (subject to inspection). Prohibited bags: Bags larger than 12" x 12" x 6" except for medical or baby bags.
Commencement Clear Bag and Prohibited Items Policy
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of every guest, Howard University will implement its Clear and Restricted Bag Policy for all Commencement Week events and prohibit certain items from event venues. Please find details below.
Clear and Restricted Bag Policy
- Only clear bags no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″ and are permitted, with the exception of medical and baby bags.
- All bags are subject to screening.
Prohibited Items for Commencement Events
Prohibited items include: any food or beverage; cans or bottles; coolers; backpacks and all other prohibited bags; artificial noise makers; alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs; smoking or vaping; tripods; pocket knives or multipurpose tools; weapons of any kinds; hand guns; animals (except for service animals); strollers; banners or signs on poles; balls or frisbees; bikes, skateboards, scooters; and any other item deemed hazardous by event or security staff.
- Weapons of any kind, including mace, pepper spray, knives, sharp objects, bats, clubs, tasers, etc.
- Bags larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″.
- Professional camera equipment (e.g., detachable lens; lens greater than 3”; external flash; monopods; bipods; tripods; etc.).
- Laptops, personal computers, and two-way radios.
- Audio/video recording devices.
- Laser pointers or flashlights.
- Illegal drugs/substances (current prescription medication in the original container is permitted, provided the guest produces identification matching the prescription container).
- Outside alcohol.
- Tumblers and outside beverages.
- Fireworks, missile-like objects, Frisbees, and any other form of projectiles.
- Signs, flags, and banners larger than 11”x17”. Signs, flags, and banners of any size attached to poles. Signs, flags, and banners are prohibited by the event or made of wood, metal, plastic, or other hard material.
- Balloons, beach balls, and other inflatables.
- Unapproved pamphlets, handouts, etc.
- Firestarters and lighters.
- Cans (including aerosols), bottles, boxed liquids, metal, glass, or other insulated containers.
- Pets, other than service animals.
- Selfie sticks, poles.
- Coolers of any size, including soft-sided coolers.
- Masks other than face coverings other than mandated for COVID – 19.
- Signs, posters, or garments with offensive language, phrasing, or symbols.
- Pointed tip or large umbrellas.
- *Outside food or beverage (exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs).
- Noisemakers, air horns, bells, bull horns, whistles, etc.
- Optical illusions (i.e., items intended to create optical illusions or interfere with the ability of the eye to perceive depth or distance, such as pinwheels and umbrellas).
- Drones.
- Patrons without shoes, shirts, or pants/shorts.
- Flowers, unless allowed by tour production.
- Skateboards and rollerblades.
- Any other items if prohibited by various venues and events.
Howard University Public Safety reserves the right to prohibit other items as deemed necessary.
Medical and Special Needs
Exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs. Guests with specific/special dietary needs due to medical conditions or special needs should contact the Howard University Department of Public Safety by emailing hudps@howard.edu at least 48 hours before attending the event to arrange for reasonable accommodations.