North Carolina school board changes mind, bans pepper spray

Board of Education Chairman Josh Wagner says liability concerns raised by parents and law enforcement convinced them to change course. File photo.

Salisbury, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina school board has repealed its decision to allow high school students to carry pepper spray, a policy one board member had said may be useful for students who encounter transgender classmates in the bathroom.

News outlets report that the Rowan Salisbury Board of Education voted unanimously Monday to overturn a May 9 vote that excluded pepper spray and mace as weapons.

Board of Education Chairman Josh Wagner says liability concerns raised by parents and law enforcement convinced them to change course and place pepper sprays and disposable razors back on the list of items that students aren't allowed to carry on campus.

Prior to Monday's vote, the policy had been set to go into effect in August when new student handbooks are issued.

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The Gayly – May 24, 2016 @ 6:45 a.m.