JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A total of 41 students at Highlands Middle School were exposed to pepper spray last week when a student mistook the canister, which was taken from another student, for a body fragrance product, according to Duval County Public Schools. The principal said it was learned that one of the students at the school was in possession of a small canister of pepper spray for personal use. The principal said another student took the pepper spray from the other student’s belongings, thinking it was body spray, and released the canister as if he were applying a body fragrance product. According to the school district, the student who took the pepper spray was issued a juvenile civil citation. The school district said the student who was originally in possession of the small canister of pepper spray will face “appropriate disciplinary consequences for bringing a prohibited item on campus."

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Students at Highlands Middle School could have their bags checked Monday, according to Dr. Diana Greene, superintendent of Duval County Public Schools. Greene was asked whether there would be extra safety measures Monday at Highlands Middle after 41 students were exposed to pepper spray Friday in the school’s gymnasium. It may be we will do random bag checks on Monday," Greene said during a news conference Friday. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Chief Keith Powers said those affected were transported to area hospitals out of an abundance of caution. According to the school administration, parents of students should have received a robocall explaining Friday’s situation.