Murray: Using Taxpayer Dollars to Add More Guns to Schools “Is Wrong and Will Make Schools More Dangerous and Students Less Safe”

Secretary DeVos is reportedly considering allowing states to use federal grant program to purchase guns for schools

Grant program was created in bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act, intended to support students and provide academic enrichment opportunities

Murray previously voiced concerns about Secretary DeVos’ commitment to keep students safe during meeting regarding school safety commission

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement on reports that Secretary DeVos is considering allowing states to use a grant program in the Every Student Succeeds Act to purchase guns for teachers and educators.

“This is absurd and appalling. It’s not surprising that Secretary DeVos would have the gall to try to sneak guns into schools through a program intended to support students and provide academic enrichment opportunities, but I’m going to stand with students, teachers, and parents across the country to fight it.

When Republicans and Democrats came together to pass the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act, we were clear that these grants were intended to help foster safe, healthy, and supportive environments that improve student learning—not prop up the NRA and gun sales. Using these funds to add more firearms into schools is not only the opposite of what Congress intended, it is wrong and will make schools more dangerous and students less safe. It’s well past time Secretary DeVos stops bowing down to the gun lobby and starts following the law and listening to the parents and students she is supposed to be working for.”

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