Gun Lessons in Virginia Elementary Schools

New program to start next school year

A new gun program in Virginia could be coming to your child's elementary school next year.

Virginia's General Assembly passed a new law encouraging schools to offer the National Rifle Association's "Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program," the Associated Press reported.

The law allows school divisions to teach gun-safety education to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Each school board can decide whether to offer it, but those that do must use the state curriculum guidelines, a.k.a. the NRA's Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program.

According to the NRA's website, the program began in 1988. It teaches kids four important steps to take if they find a gun. The program's mascot -- you guessed it -- Eddie Eagle, instructs kids to "Stop! Don't touch. Leave the area. Tell an adult.

Materials from the National Crime Prevention Council were reportedly supposed to be included, but the measure was amended because the lawmaker who presented the idea got the organization's name wrong. The organization was introduced as the National Crime Prevention Center rather than council. Gov. Bob McDonnell proposed the amendment to remove the group because of the mishap.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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