Does kindergarten lead to more crime?
One New Hampshire lawmaker thinks so.
During Belknap County Convention meeting in Laconia Monday, State Rep. Bob Kingsbury, R-Laconia, said he's conducted research that shows his community, which offers kindergarten, has a higher crime rate than surrounding communities that don't offer kindergarten, the Laconia Daily Sun reported.
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"We're taking children away from their mothers too soon," Kingsbury said, according to the Sun.
Kingsbury, who's in his first term and is seeking re-election this fall, drew fire for his comments.
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"Rep. Kingsbury’s comments are frankly ridiculous," said Maggie Hassan, a former state senator from Exeter who's running for governor, in a statement. "Kindergarten puts students on a path to success and opportunity."
Kingsbury also said high crime rates can be explained by fewer people owning guns and that boxing isn't taught in school, the Sun reported.
No one answered a phone call made to Kingsbury Wednesday afternoon.
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