Pepper Spray Sparks Student Debate

A Student Assembly resolution that proposes students be permitted to own pepper spray on campus is producing a debate among those on campus.

Members of the Student Assembly explained that the spraying device would provide the necessary protection for students on campus. However, the chief of Cornell Police, said that the device can in fact present a false sense of security and that students should consider looking for other forms of protection.

Recently released Cornell police crime statistics, which listed four reported sexual cases in 2009 have many of the members of the S.A. concerned. As a result, they believe that carrying the device would present the students with an added layer of defense against possible threats.

Not only that, but former chair of the Cornell Republicans, said that pepper spray is an ideal option as it is effective from up to 20 feet away, which ultimately decreases the risk of the individuals involved getting hurt. An additional advantage to the device is that many self defense sprays contain UV dye, which enables police the ability to identify the assailant in question.

However, under current University rules, students are not permitted to carry the spray on campus. Members of the S.A. believe that if the device is employed for protection measures, then the rule should not be applied. The ownership of pepper spray is legal in New York State, so many are aiming to align the University policy with those of the laws already in place within the state.

In November 1996, the state of New York made pepper spray a legalized device for an individual’s protection; however Cornell maintained it prohibition.

Of course if the students are allowed to employ the spray for their protection, the S.A. would support licensing, meaning that only students who are trained in the correct use of the device and those who register them would be permitted to own one.

In order to boost the safety of the students, there are discusses in place about incorporating the training of pepper spray with martial arts classes that are offered through the physical education department at Cornell. In addition, police seminars on self defense would be provided with CUPD.

Their aim is to help students understand how they can prevent attacks from happening, not cause them.