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| Vol. 6, No. 44 | 11/12/99 |
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In what can only be considered pure political grandstanding, Chicago Public Schools Chief Paul Vallas stated that he will put an end to all riflery programs in Chicago's schools. This will affect 33 schools that were offering Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs that trained students how to safely, responsibly, and effectively handle rifles. Vallas was quoted in the 11/11/99 issue of the Chicago Tribune as saying, "We don't want to send a contradictory message in the school by on the one hand discouraging the use of firearms and being tough on violence and then on the other having a marksmanship curriculum." One aspect of these riflery programs Vallas fails to mention, however, is the fact that they don't even use real rifles or ammunition -- only airguns and pellets!
Vallas's decision is not being met with much support, especially outside of Chicago's boundaries. School officials throughout Illinois have stated that they will ignore Chicago, and will continue with their riflery programs. Ron Yelk, coach of the Mattoon High School rifle team in Mattoon, Ill., stated, "Our emphasis is on dedication, discipline, leadership, responsibility -- all these things." Even the Chicago Tribune found fault with Vallas's plan, stating in an 11/11 editorial that, "There's no evidence that anyone participating in marksmanship practice or competitions has ever posed a threat. In fact, one might assume that JROTC cadets schooled in firearms safety would be more responsible with guns than other kids. Allowing riflery training while decrying gun violence doesn't send a mixed message any more than does supporting a wrestling team while opposing schoolyard brawls." Mattoon High School Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC)
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