The FBI Safe School Index ranked Sacramento State 61 out of 450 campuses nationwide, as well as seventh out of 44 schools across California.

However, in light of the recent sexual assaults on campus, I have been on code red, high alert while walking to my car at night. On some nights, I find myself navigating the parking garage alone after a late lab class and let’s just be honest…I’m 5 foot 2 inches and I maybe weigh a buck and some change, so it’s not like I have the ability to open up a can of crazy on an attacker.

That’s why I have my trusty pepper spray clutched tightly in my hand by sundown. Don’t come near me at night because I will not hesitate to blast you in the face with a little oleoresin capsicum (fancy English for “mace” or “aerosol jalapenos.”)

Pepper spray is my preferred tool of self-defense because it is portable, discreet, effective and easy to use.

It’s perfect for women to carry, yet whenever I mention it to any girl I know, I always hear, “Oh, I’ve been meaning to get some.”

It’s rare to actually meet someone who keeps it with them, even though it should be a necessary precaution. So, I decided to take it upon myself to purchase some pepper spray for one of my procrastinating, it-will-never-happen-to-me friends.

I bought my own keychain pepper spray on campus during my freshman year at Sac State. There used to be a UPS store across from the Round Table in the Union and they sold pepper spray for just $15. Since UPS is no longer on campus, I figured our fully stocked Hornet Bookstore would have some on hand. No dice.

You’d think with the crimes being committed against students on campus there would be options available for purchase to protect ourselves. I want to know that if I need to purchase something for my personal attack arsenal, that it will be there for me. How am I supposed to feel safe if I can’t even protect myself? I’m not about to rely on anyone else to do it for me.

Jessica Heskin, coordinator of the Violence and Sexual Assault Support Services Program, stresses that pepper spray should not be the first or only choice in protecting yourself.

“I think pepper spray is just a way to make money off women’s fears,” Heskin said. “I suggest a self-defense course like those we offer on campus. If a woman wants to carry pepper spray, take a class and be trained on how to use it.”

I agree that pepper spray may not prevent a sexual assault, especially if a nice sea breeze floats by and you end up spraying your own membranes into pulp, but if it makes you feel safe or gives you a chance to make a getaway, then it should at least be an option available for purchase. You canalso bling out your keychain with spiked brass knuckles if you don’t feel safe merely carrying the spray. While we’re at it, why not just take some of the self-defense classes Heskin suggested?

Vic Vinson, police sergeant for the Sac State police, teaches self-defense courses at the Well so students can learn some Krav Maga kicks to bolster a spray of mace to the face.

Campus police’s Cpl. Scott Christian suggests carrying pepper spray to protect your safety (and chastity) among other options.

“It is legal for (students) to carry (pepper spray) and it’s a good tool to protect themselves,” Christian said. “You want to be alert to your surroundings, carry a cellphone…call for an escort, make use of the Hornet Night Shuttle (and) program our number into your phone.”

Heskin said there is probably little demand for pepper spray, so the bookstore would find no reason to stock it. Bookstore representatives didn’t know why they don’t carry it, but suggested you head on over to Big 5 or Sports Authority to arm yourself with their supply.

Wherever you buy it, just make sure yours is in line with California regulations. You must be 18 years old to purchase a pepper spray canister that cannot be larger than 2.5 ounces and is required to have a warning label. Also, don’t spray your friends or your cheating ex, no matter how pissed you are. Unless you don’t mind a fine of up to a thousand bucks and possibly3 years in prison.

Kayla Oliverio can be reached at [email protected].