WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools said an SRO used pepper spray to break up a fight between students at Clemmons Middle School on Wednesday.
The district said the incident involved two students and there were no injuries.
A message was also sent to parents.
The school's principal said in the message that while no one was harmed, some students and staff were close to the spray and may have minor irritation from it.
"All students and staff are safe and OK at this time, but we want all parents to be aware out of extreme caution because of the lingering effects of the fog, we are keeping students in class while everything is cleaned up. This could slow afternoon dismissal and we apologize for the inconvenience," the principal wrote in the message.
The school said the students involved will face discipline.
The district said the use of pepper spray fogger isn't new and the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office has been using it since last school year. WS/FCS said it doesn't control when or if SROs use the fogger.
WFMY News 2 has reached out to the sheriff's office to learn more about the use of pepper spray in schools. We are waiting to hear back.
Full message to parents from the principal:
Good afternoon parents this is Sandra Hunter, principal at Clemmons Middle School. I want to share information about a student disturbance that happened this afternoon. During the event the school resource officer was called for assistance. In an effort to safely deescalate the event and take control of the situation the officer did use a pepper spray fogger.
While no one was harmed, some students and staff were in close proximity. We know some experienced the effects of the fogger and may have minor irritation. All students and staff are safe and ok at this time, but we want all parents to be aware out of extreme caution because of the lingering effects of the fog, we are keeping students in class while everything is cleaned up. This could slow afternoon dismissal and we apologize for the inconvenience.
The students involved in the altercation have been identified and we will follow district disciplinary procedures as appropriate. Please know we take these matters seriously as student safety is of utmost importance. If you have any questions, please let me know
