The Elma School District is changing its procedures for admission to football games following an incident involving pepper spray at a game on Friday, September 11, according to a statement shared by The Chronicle.
The district said the incident involved the Elma High School principal being exposed to pepper spray during the game. In its statement, the district described the incident as one of several troubling events that occurred that evening and said new entry procedures would take effect immediately.
According to the district, the principal was maced by a student at the game. The district also said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding weapons and that police charges were being pursued.
The statement also addressed visiting fans who were reportedly wearing face coverings that concealed their identities. The district said faces must be visible for admission to future games.
Different Accounts Circulate About Pepper Spray Incident
Comments responding to the Chronicle’s post offered a different account of what happened at the football game.
Several commenters claimed that a teenage girl was being attacked by another student and used pepper spray in response. According to those accounts, the principal was not deliberately targeted but was accidentally exposed after the spray traveled through the air.
One commenter urged the publication to contact the Elma School District and Elma Police Department for additional information, saying the principal was inadvertently affected when the wind shifted after the student used pepper spray.
Other commenters similarly referenced an Elma Police Department post and said the incident began with a student allegedly being attacked. Those comments emphasized that the principal was accidentally exposed rather than intentionally sprayed.
The comments represent claims from members of the public and do not independently establish the circumstances of the incident.
Elma School District Announces Changes
The district’s announcement focuses on new procedures for entering athletic events. Along with requiring attendees to keep their faces visible, the district reiterated its position that weapons are not permitted at games.
The incident has generated discussion among community members about student safety, school policies and the circumstances surrounding the use of pepper spray.
Some commenters questioned whether students are permitted to carry pepper spray under Washington law and school regulations, while others argued that students should seek help from school officials, security personnel or police when conflicts occur.
Another commenter questioned whether changes to district policies and procedures require approval through established processes.
At this point, the information available in the Facebook discussion includes differing descriptions of the incident. The district’s statement provides one account, while several commenters have described circumstances involving an alleged student attack and accidental exposure of the principal.
Further information from the Elma Police Department or school district could help clarify what led to the pepper spray being used, who was involved and whether any charges or disciplinary actions resulted from the incident.
