Biden's Bill Brings Hunting and Archery Education to Rural Schools
Shela Alex
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Concerns Arise in Rural AlaskaRoy Getchell, a school superintendent in Haines, Alaska, faces uncertainty over federal funding for hunting and archery programs in his rural district.
Preserving a Way of LifeHunting and archery programs are deeply ingrained in the lives of rural Alaskan students, ensuring their safety and subsistence living skills.
Early Safety EducationSeventh-grade students are encouraged to complete hunting safety courses, preparing them for a subsistence lifestyle that includes hunting and fishing for family sustenance.
A Sigh of ReliefRural school leaders like Getchell breathe easier as President Biden signs bipartisan legislation safeguarding funding for K-12 schools offering hunting education and sport-shooting programs.
Avoiding Detrimental ConsequencesGetchell emphasizes the potential harm his district could have suffered without this legislation.
Navigating Complex LegislationThe bill's journey to becoming law is marked by questions surrounding how rural school districts should interpret provisions within the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
Historic Gun-Safety LegislationThe Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was enacted in response to a tragic elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, in May 2022.
Addressing Gun ViolenceThe legislation introduced reforms to background checks, denied gun sales to domestic abusers, and allocated $1 billion for mental health services and safety improvements in schools.
Education Department's GuidanceThe Department of Education's guidance raised concerns by stating that funds could not be used for dangerous weapons or their training.
Advocacy for Rural EducationRepublican senators expressed concerns about potential defunding of archery and hunter-education classes, prompting attention to rural schools' needs and programs.