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PERSPECTIVE: No need to force a gun-safety class on elementary school children

By News & Messenger, Prince William County
Published: March 08, 2010

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A proposal to force the State Board of Education to create a class teaching gun safety to elementary school children goes too far.

The bill, which passed the Senate Education and Health Committee Thursday, would make such a program optional in elementary schools.

First of all, since when did gun safety become the purview of elementary schools? We understand the supposed motive — teaching children not to touch guns found in their homes — but do we really want our public school system teaching our children about guns?

Furthermore, given the economic situation of the state government and the cuts to education it requires, it doesn't make sense to be coming up with new programs for state schools. Especially programs that teach something better taught at home.

Originally, the class would have been modeled on one taught by the National Rifle Association. Thankfully, that political heatpacker won’t be getting a foothold in our school doors — the bill was changed to use the National Crime Prevention Council’s program instead.

Still, by making gun safety a subject akin to abc’s and 123’s, the Virginia Senate is pushing a political hot potato onto our children's laps.
That, we could do without.

News & Messenger
Prince William County