HANOVER TOWNSHIP -- A senior at Hanover Area High School is suspended and could be expelled for bringing a stun gun to school late last week.
Right now, the 17 year old is on a 10-day suspension while school authorities decide what will happen to her.
According to the superintendent in the Hanover Area School District, the girl claims she accidentally brought the stun gun to school, where it fell out of her purse.
"Her contention was that whenever outside the realm of school, she used it for personal protection," said Hanover Area Superintendent Andrew Kuhl.
School policy says anything that can cause bodily damage on school property is forbidden. That means no guns, stun guns, knives, and also pepper spray or certain props for Halloween costumes.
"We want our kids to be safe, but weapons don't fall into those acceptable things to keep them safe."
In this scenario, the superintendent believes the stun gun was purchased online.
Kuhl says over the past few years, he's noticed students have much more access to things they shouldn't and it's becoming a cultural issue.
"There's no age limit on who can buy these type of things."
Parents in Hanover Township say it's tough deciding what your child needs to stay safe.
"A stun gun is a little excessive," said parent Daisy Ortiz. "I think the best option kids have is some self-defense."
"Education, knowledge, teach kids to be aware of their surroundings, maybe set up a system if they have to walk," suggested parent Mary Ellen Richendrfer
So what should parents do to make sure their kids are safe? The superintendent says it comes down to safety in numbers.
"We tell kids walk in groups, walk with friends, don't walk in places that aren't well lit."
The Hanover Area superintendent says an administrative hearing will be held within the next few days to decide whether the student who brought that stun gun to school should be allowed back or expelled.