Mace in the Face

This course is designed to help students understand the safe, legal, and effective use of pepper spray as a personal safety tool. Participants will learn when pepper spray may be an appropriate option for self-defense, how it works, and the advantages and limitations of carrying it for personal protection.

The course covers situational awareness, threat recognition, and decision-making before, during, and after a potential confrontation. Students will also learn proper deployment techniques, safe handling practices, storage considerations, and steps to take if pepper spray is accidentally exposed to themselves or others.

Special emphasis will be placed on the legal, ethical, and personal liability considerations associated with carrying and using pepper spray. Participants will discuss circumstances in which the use of pepper spray may be justified, as well as potential consequences of misuse.

In addition, students will become familiar with campus safety resources available at the University of Denver, including emergency response options, reporting resources, the DU Safe app, and support services available to students.

As an added bonus, two lucky attendees will be randomly selected to receive a free personal pepper spray unit to support their ongoing safety and preparedness.