Neighborhood violence has caused a jump in weapons seizures at New York City schools

There is a common refrain that Legal Aid Society attorney Melinda Andra hears from students she works with who have been caught carrying weapons to school: They felt unsafe going to and from school and wanted to protect themselves. That was the case for one girl Andra represented a couple of weeks ago, who faced suspension after bringing pepper spray to school. The girl told Andra that her mother had bought the pepper spray for her after hearing about violence in the community, so that she would be safe while taking the bus to school. Others have expressed similar sentiments.