Harford Co. Reverses Decision To Cancel City School Trips

BEL AIR, Md. (WJZ) -- Facing a backlash over a ban on all school field trips to Baltimore, the Harford County school system quickly reverses its course and lifts the controversial ban.

Marcus Washington with more on the quickly reversed decision.

The decision was simple--keep Harford County students out of Baltimore City following the events after the death of Freddie Gray.

The mandate kept tenth grader Coale Gwinner from his planned orchestra competition.

"It was pretty bad because we all practiced really hard and everyone was really disappointed," said Gwinner.

"There is a lot of value in that, and I think the children should be able to go down there. I think it's safe. I don't feel as a parent that I would be afraid in any way," said Lorraine Holley.

After our story airing on the decision to cut back on field trips to Baltimore City, the district released a statement, saying they received a lot of feedback.

In a statement to WJZ, Harford County school officials say in part: "We take great pride in what Baltimore City, and our entire state, has to offer our students as well as students across the country. However, our number one priority is and will remain the safety of our students."

"I can see it by keeping the kids safe in a situation, I guess. And then, in another sense, it's kind of cheating the kids out of a learning experience," said Ken Lester.

"I'm just happy that it has been lifted because I think that's important for Harford County to allow the children to go down to Baltimore City. I think that's important for our children's education," said Holley.

The district says it will continue to monitor each planned field trip to ensure it's safe for all students.

A week ago Tuesday, Harford County schools lifted the ban on athletic teams traveling to the city.