The Trump Administration’s Plan to Put More Guns in Schools is Asinine

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Last night, The New York Times reported that the U.S. Department of Education is considering ways to allow federal funds to be used for firearms purchases. Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) issued the following statement:

“Teachers are educators, not armed security guards,” said Rep. Payne, Jr. “A safe school environment is one that is free from firearms and where education is at the forefront. The Trump administration’s plan to put more guns in schools is asinine. While the Department of Education wastes resources trying to put firearms in classrooms, educators across the country are clamoring for funding to install new locks on classroom doors, harden school entryways, and secure school facilities.

“Secretary DeVos seems to think that America’s public schools are prisons and firearms can improve school conditions. Nothing is further from the truth. As Ranking Member on the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I look forward to working closely with the Education and Workforce Committee to ensure our classrooms are safe and the corridors between home and school are free from gun violence.”

Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr., is Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications.