A report says Education Secretary Betsy DeVos might let schools buy guns with federal money. The New York Times reported Wednesday that the Education Department is considering using a program in federal education law that does not ban weapons purchases.
A loophole in the program that provides grants for school safety would allow DeVos to let states and school districts use the grants on firearms or firearms training.
The New York State department of Education have commented. Chancellor Betty Rosa and Commissioner Maryellen Elia released the following statements on the matter Thursday:
“The Board of Regents and the State Education Department adamantly oppose arming teachers. While nothing is more important than the safety and security of our children, the way to ensure their safety is to focus on social emotional development and well-being and promoting a positive school climate. Putting guns in classrooms with students is misguided and dangerous. The U.S. Department of Education should not allow our federal education dollars to pay for weapons when that funding is intended for the teaching and learning of our children.
“We must bring together the entire community — schools, parents, faith-based organizations, law enforcement professionals and everyone interested in creating and maintaining safe schools. New York is focused on promoting a relationship of trust, cultural responsiveness, and respect between schools and families; ensuring that schools are safe havens for students and their teachers, where they are free to learn and teach, to laugh and continually grow together. There is no place in our schools for weapons, no matter the intentions.”
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