The Charlotte Observer reports that a South Carolina teenager used pepper spray on her school bus during an argument between students, and local police said 21 students had to be transported to a hospital as a result.
While the article states there were no injuries reported, officials wanted the students to undergo medical observation following the incident on Tuesday.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene of the ongoing altercation, but a spokesman said it was unclear if the Richland School District 2 student who used the pepper spray was trying to defend herself or attack someone. Pepper spray is legal in defensive situations, but the spokesman added the ability of a student to carry it on the school bus is a district matter.
A review of the school district code of conduct for the 2016-2017 school year did not uncover the word “pepper spray” or “mace,” but the report mentions that the word weapons is used under a section on “serious offenses,” saying: “The use, possession or distribution of weapons, alcohol and drugs will not be tolerated and may permanently expel students involved in weapons, drug or alcohol offenses.”
The policy also says that “buses are considered an extension of the classroom and student behavior on buses is required to mirror behavior in the classroom.”
