Many of you may have seen the article that was published last Friday in the Sacramento Bee: “This Sacramento-area school district gets more NRA money than any other in the U.S.” It reported that several local school districts and the University of California system received hundreds of thousands of dollars from the National Rifle Association between 2010 and 2016. UCOP spokeswoman Dianne Klein was interviewed and explained that UC ANR runs the statewide 4-H youth development program and that the NRA grants went to 4-H shooting clubs. "Going forward, ANR will not apply for any such grants from the NRA Foundation," Klein said.
We have received many questions concerning this article and the position that UC has taken. Although I was unavailable to give an official UC ANR comment that day, we had already begun looking into this situation and were developing a similar message. The challenge for ANR is that this is a very polarizing issue and there is no position we can take that will satisfy everyone. We have stakeholders who passionately believe 4-H should not offer the Shooting Sports program at all while others feel that we are questioning their support for gun ownership if we discontinue accepting funds from the NRA. There are many perspectives on this challenging issue; ANR will do our best to serve most of our stakeholders while not yielding to societal pressures at either extreme.
The 4-H Shooting Sports program is popular among 4-H families and based on a National 4-H curriculum that provides instruction in the safe handling of firearms and archery equipment, develops self-confidence and leadership skills in 4-H participants, and instills appreciation for conservation and outdoor recreation. Youth have opportunities to compete in state and national meets and strive to qualify for Olympic teams. We have had 4-H youth in California earn college scholarships in the shooting sports.
As with all 4-H programs, the Shooting Sports program relies on adult volunteers who are trained in positive youth development and to deliver curriculum developed by academics. Furthermore:
- 4-H Shooting Sports programs are offered in most UCCE county programs, with more than 4,000 youths enrolled in California.
- ANR Risk & Safety Services has participated in the development and implementation of the 4-H Shooting Sports policies, procedures and specific safety protocols; and monitors compliance with UC ANR Firearms Policy & Procedures in an ongoing basis.
- Disciplines include archery, muzzle loading, air pistol, rifle and shotgun along with hunting and outdoor skills.
- 4-H Shooting Sports programs do not involve or endorse assault style weapons and do not use any humanoid targets or images.
As one of the nation's largest youth development programs, Cooperative Extension stands behind the integrity of our research-based programs that produce hands-on learning in science, health and well-being and civic engagement. 4-H does not endorse or oppose any legislation or political stance.
Having said that, there are times when we must demonstrate our values. UC has done that previously by divesting to end apartheid and refusing to accept funds from tobacco sales. Our decision to not pursue NRA funding for youth programs has nothing to do with the Second Amendment or opinions on best ways to ensure child safety. We are parting ways with the NRA now because they have become a polarizing, divisive force across the US and their recent treatment of young adults does not align with 4-H values on civic engagement.
UC ANR will continue to support our 4-H Shooting Sports program while also joining with the many sporting goods stores, corporations, and school systems that are rejecting ties to the NRA. We hope that you will work with us to use this as a teachable moment on public discourse and the responsibilities of major institutions to take a stand on behalf of their values. We will need your support to develop alternate funding moving forward, while also helping to promote civil dialogue on a challenging issue.
Sincerely,
Glenda Humiston
vice president
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