SALISBURY, Md. - Some Salisbury University students are advocating for the right to carry pepper spray on campus, despite current university policy prohibiting it.
Under the university’s student code of conduct, pepper spray is classified as a dangerous weapon and is not allowed on campus. However, some students continue to carry it, arguing that it provides an added layer of security.
The university relies on security cameras and emergency blue light poles to maintain safety. But with 12 reported rapes, 10 burglaries, and one robbery on campus between 2021 and 2023, some students believe more protection is necessary.
“It’s just really silly to prevent something or prohibit an item that can really, you know, be life or death,” said Colin McEvers, a student who has launched a petition to lift the pepper spray ban.
McEvers is gathering signatures by having students scan a QR code. Many students say they support the effort without hesitation.
“Carrying something as small as pepper spray makes me, and I feel like other students, safer on campus,” said graduate student Tara Smith. “Especially when you’re traveling out by yourself or from work late at night, having that sense of security just provides a sense of relief for the student.”
Freshman Fallon Ireland also voiced support for the initiative.
“I don’t carry it when I go to classes, but definitely, if I’m going off campus anywhere or if it’s late at night, I do feel safer with it on me,” Ireland said.
Salisbury University spokesperson Jason Rhodes said the university has safety measures in place.
“We have a surveillance network. You see the blue light cameras around campus,” Rhodes said.
However, Maryland state law prohibits individuals from carrying dangerous weapons—including pepper spray—on public school property and in government buildings.
“Any individual, not just students, would not be allowed to carry a dangerous weapon. And in the Annotated Code of Maryland, pepper spray is classified as a dangerous weapon,” Rhodes said.
When asked what would happen if a student used pepper spray in self-defense during an assault, Rhodes said the matter would be handled through a university hearing process.
“I don’t think there would be any initial charges. They would be referred to a hearing. And again, the outcome of that hearing would determine any disciplinary action. And that could range anywhere from no action is necessary to a warning, all the way up through the range of disciplinary actions which maxed out at suspension or expulsion from the university,” he said.
Until state law changes, Salisbury University officials say their hands are tied. The university recently received a $750,000 safety grant to invest in new security software.
Meanwhile, McEvers said he plans to take his petition to the Salisbury University Student Government Association in hopes of gaining further support.