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Westfield State University’s current policy broadly prohibits a wide range of items that can be used for self-defense, including firearms, explosives, and even non-lethal devices. This overreach extends to items like pepper spray and other legally permitted non-lethal tools, leaving students defenseless in situations where they might need to protect themselves.
In Massachusetts, non-lethal self-defense devices like pepper spray and mace are legal without a license, and they are crucial for student safety. Westfield State University’s policy, however, fails to recognize the importance of these devices, lumping them together with dangerous weapons in an indiscriminate ban.
We urge the university to craft a well-written carve-out in the policy that allows students to carry legally permissible non-lethal self-defense tools such as pepper spray. By permitting students to carry these items, the university can empower them to protect themselves while maintaining compliance with state laws and avoiding unnecessary restrictions.
It is crucial that Westfield State University revisits its policy and brings it in line with Massachusetts law, which allows the use of pepper spray without the need for a license. This change would not only reflect legal standards but also prioritize the safety of students by allowing them to defend themselves effectively and responsibly.
President Linda Thompson, it’s time to make student safety a priority by amending this outdated policy. We call on you to take immediate action to allow for the use of non-lethal self-defense tools on campus, ensuring that students are not left vulnerable in dangerous situations.
Westfield State University’s current policy broadly prohibits a wide range of items that can be used for self-defense, including firearms, explosives, and even non-lethal devices. This overreach extends to items like pepper spray and other legally permitted non-lethal tools, leaving students defenseless in situations where they might need to protect themselves. In Massachusetts, non-lethal self-defense devices like pepper spray and mace are legal without a license, and they are crucial for student safety. Westfield State University’s policy, however, fails to recognize the importance of these devices, lumping them together with dangerous weapons in an indiscriminate ban. We urge the university to craft a well-written carve-out in the policy that allows students to carry legally permissible non-lethal self-defense tools such as pepper spray. By permitting students to carry these items, the university can empower them to protect themselves while maintaining compliance with state laws and avoiding unnecessary restrictions. It is crucial that Westfield State University revisits its policy and brings it in line with Massachusetts law, which allows the use of pepper spray without the need for a license. This change would not only reflect legal standards but also prioritize the safety of students by allowing them to defend themselves effectively and responsibly. President Linda Thompson, it’s time to make student safety a priority by amending this outdated policy. We call on you to take immediate action to allow for the use of non-lethal self-defense tools on campus, ensuring that students are not left vulnerable in dangerous situations.