PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Some Rhode Island politicians are speaking out against a Trump administration plan that would allow schools to use federal funding to buy guns for teachers.
Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo says the plan being considered by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is “ill-advised and dangerous,” adding that the funding would be better used on school supplies and professional development.
The Providence Journal reports that the governor’s Republican opponent, Allan Fung, agreed, saying the funding should be used to help students in the classroom.
Democratic gubernatorial challenger Matthew Brown called the idea absurd.
Some Republican and independent politicians spoke out against arming teachers while remaining open to allowing former police officers or veterans to patrol schools.
The Education Department is reviewing legislation to see if certain grants can be used to buy firearms.
