Senators protest of US DOE position on archery and hunting education

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia are among 18 members of the body who have signed onto a letter urging the U.S. Education Secretary to restore federal funding for hunting and archery education in schools.

Secretary Miguel Cardona recently announced the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act would disallow the use of funds from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act for archery or hunter education or similar extra curricular programs in U.S. schools.

Manchin and Capito both denounced the guidance as a misinterpretation of the language and intent of the original bill which sought to prohibit the federal funds from being used to purchase dangerous weapons for school staff or to train school staff in the use of dangerous weapons, with the recognition that ESEA funds should support student achievement, educational enrichment programs and student well-being.

“This pivotal piece of legislation provided resources for local, state, and federal agencies to respond to communities in crisis, provide mental health services, and build proactive safety responses to avoid future tragedies. The legislation was also carefully negotiated and drafted to protect and preserve law-abiding citizens’ Second Amendment rights,” the Senators wrote in part. “Unfortunately, and contrary to Congressional intent, the Department of Education has misinterpreted the language to exclude certain educational activities from receiving federal resources.”

The West Virginia Department of Education determined no ESEA funds in West Virginia were being used for the programs.  However, hundreds of West Virginia schools feature hunter education classes and Archery in Schools programs.  Manchin, Capito, and 16 other Senators were adamant the policy violated the intent of the original legislation.

“We understand the Department has encouraged local and state education agencies to seek alternative sources of funding for archery and hunting educational enrichment programs. This is concerning because of the important role these enrichment programs can play in students’ lives,” the Senators continued. “It is our hope that the Department will rethink its latest guidance that threatens students’ access to these programs, which support pathways to professional success, community safety, and personal wellbeing.”