According to university public safety officials, pepper spray is not permitted on USC campus under any circumstances.
But there's a catch: At the Target at USC Village, students can easily buy a bottle of pepper spray for under $10.
Despite how easily pepper spray can be purchased near USC and its categorization as a self-defense weapon, the university's no-weapon policy prohibits individuals from possessing it on campus.
According to California state laws, any person over 18 years of age may purchase, possess or use pepper spray with restrictions as a self-defense weapon.
"A couple years ago, people had to take a class on the laws concerning its possession and use. But it's just so simple to use that the legislation in the state of California thought it was no longer necessary to take a class on the possession of pepper spray," said David Carlisle, the public information officer of USC's Department of Public Safety.
However, USC's policy on pepper spray differs from California law. "The university has a no weapons policy and that includes pepper spray," he said.
"Pepper spray is generally considered a defensive weapon, which is also prohibited on campus," Carlisle said. "We just have to admit that we have stricter rules than the state's law."
Two other major local universities, University of California Los Angeles and University of California Irvine, have instituted a similar policy. Both published statements on their school websites categorize pepper spray as a weapon, but note that it can be carried on campus "within legal limits."
"It's not something we go out and look [for] to enforce the campus policy [on] possession of pepper spray," Carlisle said. "Although, we are told and authorized and expected to enforce this [no-weapons] policy should it be brought to our attention."
Jiho Kim, a sophomore studying computer science, feels that the policy should be more explicitly addressed to students.
"Since I live off campus, I may feel not that safe," Kim said. "I think pepper spray should not be considered a weapon, because it's more self-protection, and [USC] should allow students to carry pepper spray for their individual security."
Alongside 1,815 other Target stores in the U.S., Target sells pepper spray to its customers, despite USC's conflicting policy. As part of the USC Village, Target also services the local Los Angeles community, beyond th
The pepper spray sold in Target contains 25 bursts in a stream that could reach a 10-foot range. It's the same brand that is used by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, according to the spray manufacturer.
However, Target officials say they did not know USC's regulation on pepper spray.
"We haven't heard anything regarding that," said the assistant manager of Target in USC Village. The assistant manager wanted to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the topic.
"It's a relationship thing. Even if we own the store, the dock is still USC's," the assistant manager said. "If a USC official comes to our store and says that we don't allow pepper spray on campus, we'll discontinue our inventory. But it hasn't been said to anyone."
Sabrina Bhargava, a freshman studying cognitive science, said she is aware that the university had such a policy, but did not realize that pepper spray was considered a weapon.
"It's confusing that [Target] sells something that is prohibited on campus, considering the store is public until 9 p.m." Bhargava said. She also said that Target is not exclusively catered only towards USC students and that it serves the surrounding L.A. community as well.
According to Carlisle, however, only DPS or peace officers on duty are permitted to possess pepper spray.
Will Belshe, a senior studying global health, believed the policy is difficult to reinforce.
"[The policy] leaves a grey area between on campus and off campus," he said. "What we as USC students are concerned [about] more is neighborhood safety. There are more things [that] need to be clarified."
Mingshan Li and Rachel Sherman contributed to this report.