Education Secretary Betsey DeVos is reportedly considering a proposal that would allow states to use federal grant funding to pay for armed teachers in schools. The proposal was first reported by The New York Times:
In its research, the Education Department has determined that the gun purchases could fall under improving school conditions, people familiar with the department’s thinking said. Under the current guidelines for that part of the grant, the department encourages schools to increase access to mental health counseling, establish dropout prevention programs, reduce suspensions and expulsions and improve re-entry programs for students transitioning from the juvenile justice system.
But the department began exploring whether to expand the use of the support grants after the school shootings in Parkland, Fla., and Santa Fe, Tex., prompted states to inquire about alternatives.
The proposal, which hasn't been produced yet by the Department of Education, shouldn't come as a surprise. Earlier this year the idea was discussed by DeVos as an option during a press conference.
"I think that’s a model that can be adopted and should be an option for schools, for states, for communities," DeVos said.
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President Trump has also repeatedly called for armed guards, including qualified teachers, in schools.
"This is more about common sense," Trump said at the White House in February. "I’m talking about something where they’re there anyway, where they get a little extra money because they happen to carry, where they go for training every year."
Armed Educators (and trusted people who work within a school) love our students and will protect them. Very smart people. Must be firearms adept & have annual training. Should get yearly bonus. Shootings will not happen again - a big & very inexpensive deterrent. Up to States.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 24, 2018
Further, schools around the country already allow teachers to carry firearms.
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