Gun rights groups argue that defunding archery and hunters’ education programs will deprive future generations of valuable skills and knowledge.
The Biden Administration’s Decision Sparks Controversy Over Future Generations
The Biden administration’s recent move to cut funding for hunter education and archery programs in schools has ignited a heated debate about its potential impact on future generations.
“They are folks who are going to do anything to infringe on the rights of the next generation. They want to eliminate these programs so the future generations will not be aware the opportunities exist in the first place,” said Mark Oliva, managing director for public affairs of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry.
The White House did not respond to emails from The Epoch Times seeking comment.
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Hunter safety, archery, and marksmanship programs were first authorized to receive federal funding by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965.
Educators involved in the programs interviewed by The Epoch Times expressed their concerns about the potential impact of this decision. They believe that millions of students will be affected.
Tommy Floyd, the president of the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP), stated that approximately 21 million students have participated in the program over its 21-year history. Last year alone, 1.3 million students in 9,000 schools learned the fundamentals of archery.
The program has also awarded $3.4 million in scholarships to more than 2,000 students.
According to Mr. Floyd, the lessons learned through these programs extend beyond the archery range. Students develop skills such as responsibility, teamwork, and good sportsmanship.
Jeremiah Adams, an agriculture teacher and sporting clays instructor, emphasized the importance of safety in these programs. Students learn self-control, situational awareness, and adherence to rules.
Both men believe that these programs not only teach valuable skills but also contribute to the overall development of students.
Democrats Hail BSCA
Last year, the U.S. Department of Education withheld funding based on its interpretation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), passed in June 2022. Democrats have hailed the law as the most significant gun safety legislation in the last 30 years.
Gun rights groups condemned Republicans who helped draft the legislation. This decision only sharpened that criticism.
“We warned folks when they passed this there would be unintended consequences. We got provisions taken out [of the law] that were even worse,” said Mark Jones, the National Director for Hunter Outreach for Gun Owners of America.
“Even the architects of the legislation have said, ‘You are misinterpreting our law.'”
Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) sent a letter on July 10 to Secretary of Education Michael Cardona, expressing their concerns about the misinterpretation of the BSCA.
GOP Claims Law Misinterpreted
“We were alarmed to learn recently that the Department of Education … has misinterpreted the BCSA [sic] to require the defunding of certain longstanding educational and enrichment programs—specifically, archery and hunter education classes—for thousands of children, who rely on these programs to develop life skills, learn firearm safety, and build self-esteem,” the letter reads.
The BSCA was a response to mass shootings in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, New York. According to Mr. Cornyn and Mr. Tillis, the objective was to “protect America’s children, keep our schools safe, and reduce the threat of violence across our country.”
The BSCA set aside $1 billion to “support safe and healthy students.” The law prohibits using the money for “the provision to any person of a dangerous weapon” or “training in the use of a dangerous weapon.”
According to the senators, this meant training for school resource officers, which is funded separately.
However, according to guidance on the Department’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education website, under the BSCA Stronger Connections Grant Program, states may
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