You have 0 items in your cart
We, the undersigned, urge Seminole State College to amend its weapons policy to allow students to carry non-lethal self-defense tools, such as pepper spray and tasers, on campus. The surrounding area has experienced significant incidents of violent crime, including sexual assaults and aggravated assaults, underscoring the risks students face and the pressing need for effective self-protection. Students at Seminole State College deserve access to tools that provide critical means of defense in emergency situations.
Currently, Seminole State College’s weapons policy prohibits firearms and other weapons on campus, with limited exceptions for weapons secured in private vehicles. However, this policy does not explicitly permit students to carry non-lethal self-defense tools like pepper spray and tasers, leaving them without access to effective means of protection. These non-lethal tools can help deter attackers and provide potential victims with the critical seconds needed to escape. For many students, especially women, the ability to carry pepper spray and tasers represents a straightforward yet impactful way to enhance personal safety.
While campus security is dedicated to student safety, it is unrealistic to expect campus police to be present at all times and locations where a student may be at risk. Self-defense is a fundamental right, and students should not have to sacrifice their ability to protect themselves due to restrictive campus policies.
Our specific request is for a clear carve-out in the policy language to ensure that non-lethal self-defense tools, such as pepper spray and tasers, are explicitly allowed. This update will provide students with the peace of mind that they can carry and use these tools responsibly for personal protection without fear of disciplinary action. Ensuring that the policy explicitly supports the right to non-lethal self-defense will foster a safer and more secure environment for all students.
We recognize that Seminole State College is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment. However, the current weapons policy does not adequately address the realities of the surrounding environment and the legitimate self-defense needs of students. By prohibiting non-lethal self-defense tools, the college inadvertently leaves its students more vulnerable to potential harm.
We call on President Dr. Georgia L. Lorenz to take immediate action to revise the college’s policies and implement clear language permitting non-lethal self-defense tools like pepper spray and tasers on campus. By making this change, Seminole State College will empower its students to take control of their own safety and affirm its commitment to their well-being in a real and practical way. This is about protecting lives and ensuring that every member of the Seminole State College community has the security to defend themselves.
We, the undersigned, urge Seminole State College to amend its weapons policy to allow students to carry non-lethal self-defense tools, such as pepper spray and tasers, on campus. The surrounding area has experienced significant incidents of violent crime, including sexual assaults and aggravated assaults, underscoring the risks students face and the pressing need for effective self-protection. Students at Seminole State College deserve access to tools that provide critical means of defense in emergency situations. Currently, Seminole State College’s weapons policy prohibits firearms and other weapons on campus, with limited exceptions for weapons secured in private vehicles. However, this policy does not explicitly permit students to carry non-lethal self-defense tools like pepper spray and tasers, leaving them without access to effective means of protection. These non-lethal tools can help deter attackers and provide potential victims with the critical seconds needed to escape. For many students, especially women, the ability to carry pepper spray and tasers represents a straightforward yet impactful way to enhance personal safety. While campus security is dedicated to student safety, it is unrealistic to expect campus police to be present at all times and locations where a student may be at risk. Self-defense is a fundamental right, and students should not have to sacrifice their ability to protect themselves due to restrictive campus policies. Our specific request is for a clear carve-out in the policy language to ensure that non-lethal self-defense tools, such as pepper spray and tasers, are explicitly allowed. This update will provide students with the peace of mind that they can carry and use these tools responsibly for personal protection without fear of disciplinary action. Ensuring that the policy explicitly supports the right to non-lethal self-defense will foster a safer and more secure environment for all students. We recognize that Seminole State College is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment. However, the current weapons policy does not adequately address the realities of the surrounding environment and the legitimate self-defense needs of students. By prohibiting non-lethal self-defense tools, the college inadvertently leaves its students more vulnerable to potential harm. We call on President Dr. Georgia L. Lorenz to take immediate action to revise the college’s policies and implement clear language permitting non-lethal self-defense tools like pepper spray and tasers on campus. By making this change, Seminole State College will empower its students to take control of their own safety and affirm its commitment to their well-being in a real and practical way. This is about protecting lives and ensuring that every member of the Seminole State College community has the security to defend themselves.