1. U.S. Secretary of Education Warns Against State Laws Allowing Teachers to Carry Guns
2. States Urged to Increase Funding as Federal Aid for Schools Runs Out
3. Cardona Addresses Student Aid Issues and Potential Re-Election Plans

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has spoken out against state laws that allow teachers to carry guns in schools, calling them “dangerous” and warning of potential accidents and tragedies. Tennessee recently joined 33 other states in permitting school staff members to carry guns with administrator approval and some training.

During the EdWeek Leadership Symposium, Cardona expressed his concerns about the implications of arming teachers. He questioned the practicality of the laws, wondering what would happen if armed teachers were absent on a given day, or if parents would lobby for their children to be placed in classrooms with or without guns. He also raised concerns about the time teachers would need to dedicate to firearms training, taking away from their ability to focus on meeting the needs of their students.

In addition to addressing the issue of arming teachers, Cardona called on states to step up with more funding for K-12 schools as federal aid from programs like ESSER runs out. He emphasized the importance of states filling the gap left by the federal government’s aid to ensure that schools have the resources they need to support students.

Cardona also discussed the challenges faced by the federal agency he oversees, particularly in the rollout of a new system for applying for federal financial aid for college. Despite technical failures and delays in the process, Cardona expressed confidence that the issues have been resolved and that colleges are now processing applications efficiently.

Looking ahead to the 2024 presidential election, Cardona expressed his hope to continue in his role if President Biden is re-elected. He highlighted the importance of strengthening privacy laws to protect children from harm on the internet, emphasizing the need for safeguards in the digital age.

Overall, Cardona’s remarks at the symposium touched on a range of critical issues facing the education system, from school safety to funding challenges and student aid problems. As a former teacher and state education chief, Cardona brings a unique perspective to his role as Secretary of Education, advocating for the well-being and success of students and educators.