Baldwin ? A small container of pepper spray caused last week’s evacuation of Baldwin High School and sent several people to the hospital.

Principal Allen Poplin said two students were responsible for discharging the pepper spray that forced more than 400 students, faculty and staff from the school Nov. 18.

Twenty-six students and a substitute teacher were taken to Lawrence Memorial Hospital with respiratory complications after inhaling the pepper spray, but all were released later that day.

Students were able to return to the school that afternoon after a hazardous materials unit searched the building, though it was unable to find anything.

Poplin said an investigation determined the pepper spray was discharged when one of the two students brought the container to school and showed it to the other student. Poplin said the spray was the kind that could be purchased at a store to be carried in a pocket or purse.

He would not disclose how the school determined the students’ involvement but said they would be disciplined.

“In my view, these students are no longer welcome at Baldwin High School,” he said.

Supt. James White said such events wouldn’t be tolerated.

“We have to make the consequences for this action pretty stiff,” White said. “That’s what we’re going to have to do to deter future events like this from happening again.”

White praised Poplin and Assistant Principal Bret Jones for their investigation.

“We’re pleased we’re able to report to the parents of the community that we know what happened,” he said. “Mr. Poplin and Mr. Jones did a good job in investigating what took place.”