Statements from Governor Murphy and New Jersey Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Lamont Repollet on the Use of Federal Funds to Purchase Firearms for Educators

“Arming our teachers is illogical and dangerous,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “When I signed legislation to enact common-sense gun laws in our state, my goal was to protect children and families and keep guns out of our classrooms. We know what happens when a gun enters a classroom. The result is almost always tragic and devastating. Fewer guns means fewer gun deaths. New Jersey will not participate in this dangerous and misguided program and I encourage the president to instead use our resources to better provide all of our children with the educational and innovative learning programs they deserve; not turn our classrooms into a warzone.”

“The classroom is a place of learning,” said Education Commissioner Dr. Repollet. “It is an environment where teachers should teach and children should be focused on learning. It is no place for a weapon. I am appalled by the actions of the Trump Administration to take away money from programs that could help our children succeed and help schools develop better, innovative learning programs. The New Jersey Department of Education opposes this decision and we will not allow the federal government to prioritize the agenda of the National Rifle Association (NRA) over our kids.”