Available for Comment on Today’s Report in New York Times
West Bend, WI – The United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), which is the country’s largest and fastest growing association whose sole focus is the responsibly armed American, said today that with childen across the country returning to school all options should be on the table to allow teachers to defend themselves and others.
The New York Times reports today that a proposal under consideration would allow Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, to approve any state or district plans to use grant funding for firearms and firearm training. A subsequent report by CNN said Trump Administration officials pushed back on the report stating that the department received a letter from the Texas state Department of Education asking if the funds from a federal grant program could be used to purchase firearms. While no action was taken by the Department, DeVos thinks that Congress should take action to clarify whether using the grant funding to buy guns is permissible
Tim Schmidt, the President and Founder of the USCCA, who has been a vocal supporter for allowing trained teachers to protect themselves, made the following statement:
“Too many lives have been lost because murderous maniacs know that schools are soft targets where the teachers and students inside don’t have the ability to protect themselves. Our government should be doing everything possible to protect our children and that includes allowing, and supporting, trained, licensed teachers and administrators to arm themselves. In countless situations across this country, concealed-carry permit holders have been the front lines of defense against evildoers because they have the necessary knowledge, training and experience to protect those around them. In an emergency situation, seconds matter and a well-trained, responsible gun owner can save lives in an active-shooter situation.
“A number of school districts across the country in states like South Dakota, Texas and elsewhere are already allowing trained school officials with concealed carry permits to protect themselves and others while at work. The federal government should be supporting those efforts and ensuring every possible option is being considered to keep our children safe.”
The United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), a Wisconsin-based organization with over 250,000 members, provides education, training and self-defense insurance to responsible American gun owners. USCCA was recently featured on CBS News’ 60 Minutes recently on a segment about the effort in Congress to pass reciprocity for concealed carry licenses.
The U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) provides education, training and self-defense insurance to responsible American gun owners. Headquartered in West Bend, WI, the USCCA is the largest and fastest-growing association whose sole focus is the responsibly armed American.
