Biden Admin Kills Funding for School Archery, Hunter Ed Programs

BSCA: The Thinly Veiled “Gun Control” Bill Endangering Archery and Hunter Ed Programs Nationwide

The Background Check Amendments Act (BSCA) was signed into law by President Joseph Biden in 2022, in response to several high-profile shootings. However, the legislation has been widely criticized as a thinly veiled “gun control” bill that could jeopardize public school archery and hunter education programs across the United States.

Impact on School Programs

The amendment to a subsection of the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) prohibits the use of federal school funding for providing dangerous weapons or “training in the use of a dangerous weapon.” This change could effectively kill off archery, hunter education, and trap shooting programs at schools that rely on ESEA funding.

Criticism from Republicans

Republicans argue that the Biden administration is misinterpreting the original intent of the BSCA. However, a senior official with the Department of Education, Sarah Martinez, stated that archery, hunter education, and wilderness safety courses involving firearms or bows could not be funded under ESEA.

Mark Oliva’s Statement

“The Biden administration promised to support programs that provide for increasing youth mental health resources,” said Mark Oliva, managing director of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). “Hunter education and archery in schools offer the intangible benefits of boosting self-confidence, self-esteem, and resilience among youth. White House officials are cutting off that vital component to more than half a million students annually.”

Public Support Grows

Both Washington lawmakers and sportsmen across the country are raising their concerns. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) is working closely with lawmakers to challenge this decision and aims to have the unilateral edict rolled back.

Proposed Solutions

Last week, Republican Representative Mark Green introduced a bill that would amend the ESEA to clarify archery, hunting, or other shooting sports as eligible for funding.

“The Biden administration’s decision to cut funding for these classes is a direct reflection of his disconnect with many Americans,” Green said in a statement. “While President Biden lives in his own Swamp, Tennesseans are hunting and fishing in them.”