August 16, 2023
Dear Members of Congress,
On behalf of Independent Women’s Voice, we are voicing support for H.R.5110, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, and encouraging all members of Congress to cosponsor this timely bill. Independent Women’s Voice fights for women and their loved ones by effectively expanding support for policy solutions that aren’t just well-intended, but actually enhance people’s freedom, opportunities, and well-being.
The Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Rich Hudson and Representative Mark Green to urge the Department of Education and Secretary Miguel Cardona to immediately reverse the decision to bar federal education funds for weapons used in school archery, hunting, and shooting sports trainings ahead of the 2023-2024 school year.
Secretary Cardona’s decision to nix this funding will have dire, negative consequences for millions of school-aged children across the country.
Section 4108 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965 says “activities to support safe and healthy students” and “integrate health and safety practices into school or athletic programs” can and should be funded. These programs encourage and empower students to learn safe, responsible handling of equipment used in archery, hunting, and shooting sports activities. Through these activities, students also gain invaluable skills like discipline, focus, and control in a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment.
There’s well-documented evidence that shows that school archery and hunting programs have a lasting positive impact and propel students to be upstanding, law-abiding citizens as adults.
Since 2002, over 18 million children have completed archery classes as part of physical education requirements through the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP). Some 1.3 million students across 38 states and 9,000 schools directly benefit from this archery program. 40% of participants say they’re more engaged in the classroom and 91% reported greater interest in getting outdoors.
In partnership with state wildlife agencies, over 500,000 students annually complete hunting education courses in preparation for hunting season and gain a better appreciation for wildlife conservation practices.
We thank Representatives Green and Hudson for their leadership on this issue and urge all members of Congress to join them and work toward the swift passage of the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act.
Respectfully,
Mandy Gunasekara
Director, Center for Energy & Conservation
Independent Women’s Voice
Virginia Gentles
Director, Education Freedom Center
Independent Women’s Voice