LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A fight during lunch at Butler High School on Wednesday resulted in "several students and two staff members" receiving treatment by EMS after being pepper sprayed.

In a letter sent to Butler families, Principal William Allen said a few students starting fighting during the school's first lunch period Wednesday. One student sprayed pepper spray into the crowd that had gathered around the fight. 

"Several students and two staff members reported significant irritation in their eyes and throats, caused by the pepper spray in the air," Allen said in the letter to parents.

Louisville Metro EMS and Jefferson County Public Schools Police were called, and each of the students involved will be disciplined according to the district's Student Support and Behavior Intervention Handbook, Allen said.

"I’m disappointed that incidents like these can distract from the great teaching, learning and experiences that are taking place at our school during what has been a great start to our school year," Allen wrote in the letter to parents. "Please share our behavior expectations with your child and, as always, thank you for sharing your student with us and supporting Butler Traditional High School."

The letter sent home to parents can be read below:

September 20, 2023

Dear Butler Families,

"The safety and security of your child is always our top priority at Butler Traditional High School. I want to let you know about an incident that occurred today and provide accurate information to dispel any rumors.

During our first lunch period a few students started fighting. While the fight was happening, another student sprayed pepper spray into the crowd that had gathered. Louisville Metro EMS and JCPS Police were called as several students and two staff members reported significant irritation in their eyes and throats, caused by the pepper spray in the air. Those students and staff members were treated by EMS at the school.

Each of the students who were involved in the fight will be disciplined according to the Student Support and Behavior Intervention Handbook. We are investigating to determine who released the pepper spray and that student will be disciplined as well.

I’m disappointed that incidents like these can distract from the great teaching, learning and experiences that are taking place at our school during what has been a great start to our school year.

Please share our behavior expectations with your child and, as always, thank you for sharing your student with us and supporting Butler Traditional High School.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 485-8220."

Sincerely,

William M. Allen, Principal

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