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Restore Self Defense at Tidewater Community College

At Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC), student safety is a priority, and policies are in place to ensure a secure environment. However, with the growing need for personal security, particularly during commutes and on campus after hours, students should have access to legally permissible self-defense tools, such as pepper spray, to enhance their safety. Under North Carolina General Statutes § 14-269.2, the possession of weapons on educational property is generally prohibited. The law defines “weapons” as including firearms, explosives, and sharp instruments but does not specifically prohibit pepper spray when carried solely for self-defense purposes. FTCC’s Student Handbook reiterates the prohibition of firearms, knives, and other dangerous weapons but does not explicitly restrict pepper spray when used lawfully for personal protection.

Recent crime statistics in Fayetteville, including incidents such as assaults and robberies near campus, highlight the need for increased personal safety measures. Students commuting to and from campus, particularly at night, often travel alone and are vulnerable to potential threats. Allowing students to carry pepper spray aligns with existing state laws and FTCC’s weapons policy, provided it is used exclusively for self-defense. Non-lethal self-defense tools like pepper spray offer a practical, accessible, and effective way for students to protect themselves without contravening state or campus regulations.

We, the undersigned students, faculty, and concerned citizens, respectfully request FTCC to update its campus policies to explicitly permit the carrying of pepper spray for self-defense purposes. This adjustment would align FTCC’s policy with North Carolina state law, provide students with a legally permitted means of self-defense, and enhance overall campus safety without introducing undue risk. By adopting this policy, FTCC would join other educational institutions nationwide that have recognized the importance of non-lethal self-defense tools in ensuring student safety. We urge FTCC’s administration to act swiftly to address this pressing issue.

Restore Self Defense at Tidewater Community College

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