Superintendent Arntzen's response to the interpretation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA)

• Brian O'Leary
• August 01 2023

“Montana was awarded $4,800,000 through the Federal 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) which included the Stronger Connections grant. This was a one-time-only grant through a competitive application process that was offered to our over 400 public school districts. Federal and state qualifications were met in spring of 2023 and funding awards were given to 25 school districts in July 2023.

This Federal law,  PL 117-159, which amended 20 U.S.C. § 7906 prohibits the use of many Federal education funds ‘for the provision to any person of a dangerous weapon, as defined in section 930(g)(2) of title 18, or training in the use of a dangerous weapon.’ Under that Federal law, a ‘dangerous weapon’ includes things ‘used for, or is readily capable of, causing death or serious bodily injury’. The United States Department of Education guidance mirrors the Federal statute.

There is error or confusion in the narrow interpretation of this Federal statute by the United States Department of Education. While I applaud the congressional purpose to protect our students and schools from threats of violence, I disagree with the constraint on the delivery of educational opportunities that Montanans value.

It is the application of the federal guidance that I question:

1. Can schools provide hunter’s safety classes?
2. Can archery and related indigenous skills be taught?
3. Can teachers be trained to disarm active shooters?
4. Does the Federal law impact the Montana School Marshal program? 20-7-1335, MCA
5. Does this prohibit the preparation of school resource officers?

I strongly urge the United States Department of Education to recognize Montana's values, our rural culture, and our indigenous history. This includes the rights of Montana families and students to learn conservation skills such as hunting and archery. Our state has a rich heritage, and our tribal nations are a critical part of that. Limiting what is taught in the classroom, in a way that seeks to erase our Montana history and culture, is just wrong. It is an attack on all Montanans.”

Elsie Arntzen