Controversial Action at Sparkman High - Harvest, Alabama

Sparkman High School is not situated in a bad area of town. It stands, in fact, in the midst of picturesque fields and woodlands dotted with affluent new housing developments. Yet at least once a week as I drive by a see the local news crew out getting the latest scoop on some incident that has occurred; there have been twelve bomb threats since the fall semester started, a spray-paint bottle explosion in the bathroom, numerous fights and brawls, and at least half a dozen arrests. I can't offer an explanation for this level of violence that even overshadows the local inner-city schools, but one thing seems clear: officials appear to be at a loss as to how to keep control of the student body.

The incident that exemplifies this was not reported on the local news. I heard about it from a friend, a teacher who was an eyewitness to the event. It started as a fight between some of the football players, and grew to involve at least ten people, some of whom were apparently standing too close to the fray and received stray kicks or punches, causing them to retaliate on their unwitting attackers. By the time the Sheriff's department arrived, my friend tells me, the violence had escalated and the hallway was strewn with books, papers, and blood. In order to break up the brawl, the Sheriff's deputies pepper-sprayed the entire area.

As a result, the violence was quickly extinguished, and several arrests were made, including several prominent members of the football team. By using pepper spray in such a wide and crowded area, however, the deputies inadvertently sprayed students who were not involved in the fight. After returning to class, some students became ill and started vomiting; others complained of stinging eyes and noses. Although not reported to the community at large, the incident has become controversial: were police justified in the means they took to end this student fight?

My position is an affirmative 'yes'. These were not small children who began the fight; they were football players: strong, energetic young adult males. The local Sheriff's department is limited in manpower and resources; it can often take three or four officers to quiet one determined strong man, and by the time the deputies arrived at the scene, there were too many people involved in the fray for a physical confrontation between police and individual fighters. The fact that the scuffle began in a crowded area was a factor as well: although it resulted in bystanders getting sprayed, it created an atmosphere of confusion and limited visibility. The chances that one of the participants would have a knife or other weapon were high enough that some use of force was necessary. The best way to ensure everyone's safety was to end the fight as soon as possible, by any means necessary. Luckily, none of the deputies overreacted and struck a student, or worse, pulled their firearm. The pepper spray, although causing illness and discomfort, was not deadly or permanently harmful to the students. In my opinion, the actions of the officers were correct, and prevented any further injury to the students involved, and to the numerous bystanders.

I welcome comments, arguments, and opinions. Feel free to leave yours at the bottom of the page.