Anger over Ed Dept mulling federal money for guns in schools

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic lawmakers and educators are decrying the Education Department's review of whether states can use federal money to purchase guns for schools.

Press Secretary Liz Hill said Thursday that the agency "is constantly considering and evaluating policy issues, particularly issues related to school safety."

The New York Times reported late Wednesday that the department is looking into whether federal academic enrichment grants can be used to fund firearms procurement.

Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate committee overseeing education, decried that idea as "absurd and appalling."

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, accused Education Secretary Betsy DeVos of lobbying for the National Rifle Association.

Weingarten added, "She wants to turn the U.S. government into an arms dealer for schools."