Montclair State University in N.J. Tap Dances Around Pepper Spray Question

On Monday we reported about a New Jersey state university that has strict provisions in their weapons rules. Montclair State University, a college funded in part by taxpayers, does not allow pepper spray as a self-defense option. After previously reporting that the university failed to respond to queries on this topic, a university spokesperson did respond later that day. If students or parents of students of Montclair University are looking for a black and white answer to these questions, understand the spokesperson’s statements do not answer unambiguous questions in a direct manner.

Per the Governor’s budget, N.J. state colleges and universities receive about $939.5 million in funds from taxpayers annually. Considering that the university is in part publicly funded, prohibiting pepper spray on campus might be something that’s outside of the scope of their authority.

Montclair’s policy states:

Students are prohibited from threatening to and/or bringing any weapon or facsimile of a weapon to campus, to University-related premises, or to University-related events, including academic, athletic, and social events held away from campus.

In the policy are specific restrictions and exceptions. Absent from the exceptions list is pepper spray.

Rutgers University, also a state college, specifically exempts pepper spray from their list of prohibited weapons. Somehow one state university allows some self-defense, while another does not.

There’s a notation that violations of Montclair University’s weapons policy will result in a suspension, as a minimum penalty, with expulsion being a possibility.

Andrew Mees, a spokesperson from the university replied to some of the queries.

“The University’s policy is designed to ensure the safety and security of our campus community. As such, our policy prohibits weapons, and we align with New Jersey state law regarding lawful and unlawful possession and use of various items,” Mees said in his statement. “While some items—such as pepper spray or stun guns—may be legally possessed under certain conditions in the state, the University has a policy that prohibits weapons on campus, focusing on their potential use and impact within our community.”

Mees further stated that “It is important to note that the policy is intended to maintain a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Our approach prioritizes campus security and aligns with best practices in higher education.”

Following Mees’ response, he was asked the following:

To confirm, the University has a ban on pepper spray, correct — and students will be suspended if they have it in their possession?

If that’s the case, what defensive options are students allowed to use in the event they are dealing with a violent aggressor? In particular, what resources do your female students have available during instances of rape or other acts of assault?

“While a student would face disciplinary action if found with a weapon on campus, each case is heard on its individual merits, and lawful self-defense would be taken under consideration,” Mees asserted. “Montclair State University provides comprehensive resources for its community members, including self-defense programs, extensive reporting options, the RAVE Guardian mobile safety app and a 24/7/365 University Police Department.”

A subsequent message to Mees stated, “The policy says [the] minimum penalty is: suspension up to expulsion.” Mees was then asked, “So is that not the policy?”

Mees did not respond to the request for comment about the specific penalties should someone break the policy.

How much of an issue is violent crime at Montclair University?

A grant issued on October 1, 2024 from the U.S. Department of Justice at least hints to there being some need that the university focuses on public safety. The $499,998 grant is stated to be for “the strengthening culturally specific campus approaches to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking initiative.”

If the issue of public safety wasn’t an issue, the university should not have received nearly a half-million more of – in this case federal – taxpayers’ dollars. Yet, with problems big enough to warrant such a large grant, their policy won’t allow non-lethal self-defense options?

Part of the DOJ’s grant is to “build the capacity of the institution to develop a culturally specific, coordinated community response to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.” Could educating about and advocating for the bearing of pepper spray aid in achieving a community response?

What’s the verdict?

Mees said on behalf of the university that “each case is heard on its individual merits, and lawful self-defense would be taken under consideration.” Is that enough to keep a student out of hot water if they are caught in mere possession of pepper spray? Mees did not commit to saying that a student would be suspended – Proceed with extreme caution.

The prohibitionist mentality of New Jersey is so deep that the officials at Montclair don’t want their students to possess the simplest of self-defense tools. While being armed with pepper spray does not make it a foregone conclusion that someone will thwart an aggressor, it will at least be an option. Female students that are being sexually brutalized while on the campus will at least have a fighting chance if they opt to bear the ¾’s of an ounce of pepper spray that’s allowed under Garden State law.

After the next sexual assault at Montclair University, perhaps the university officials will weigh in on the topic some more? Will they explain to the parent or guardian why their daughter was not given reasonable tools to protect herself?

If you are a student at or are funding a student to go to Montclair University, this policy should have you asking questions.