The East Penn School District notified the school community Wednesday of an incident in which a student discharged pepper spray in the cafeteria.
The notification is in line with recent legislation sponsored by Lehigh Valley state Sen. Jarett Coleman and signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro, which requires school districts to notify parents and school employees of any weapon possession incidents on school property.
“At approximately 11:15 a.m., a situation involving two students took place in the cafeteria and one student discharged pepper spray,” the East Penn School District statement said. “Emergency medical services and police were immediately contacted and responded as needed.”
Pepper spray is considered a weapon and is “strictly prohibited on school property,” the statement adds.
The East Penn School District is investigating the incident and “will take appropriate action in accordance with district policies and procedures,” the statement said.
The district’s Code of Student Conduct defines “misconduct involving the possession of a weapon” as a level six offense that warrants an immediate 10-day suspension, possible expulsion and a referral to law enforcement.
Coleman’s bill expanded school district reporting requirements; public and private schools now must notify parents and staff within 24 hours of any incident in which a knife, gun or any other weapon is brought to school property, school-sponsored events or school transportation. Coleman said his experience in the Parkland School District, where he also served as a school board member, prompted the bill.