Tennessee passes law that allows teachers to carry concealed handguns 

The Republican-led Tennessee House recently approved a bill that would enable certain teachers and school employees, after receiving special training, to carry firearms on school premises. This move was made in the face of opposition from Democrats, students, and advocates for gun control, who had called for the bill’s rejection.

Following the bill’s passage, protestors in the spectator areas began to shout “Blood on your hands,” which led to the Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton commanding the state troopers to evacuate the protestors. Despite this, many continued their protests, leading to disorder on the House floor due to procedural issues.

Bill’s Journey to Becoming Law

The bill is poised to become law soon, as Governor Bill Lee has the choice to sign it or let it pass into law by default, a decision he has not previously opposed by veto.

The bill stipulates that teachers must complete a training program, which has been criticized by some as inadequate, before they are permitted to carry handguns in their classrooms and on school grounds, without the need to inform parents or most fellow staff members.

A teacher’s ability to carry a concealed handgun must be approved by the school district’s director, the school principal, and the head of the relevant law enforcement agency. This means that school administrators have the potential to prevent any teacher from carrying a weapon on school property. The bill also calls for criminal and mental health checks.

Republicans dismissed several Democratic proposals to amend the bill, including measures to secure handguns unless there is a security breach, to hold teachers legally accountable for using their handguns on school property, and to notify parents about the presence of guns on campus.

Mixed Reactions to the Legislation

Democrats expressed strong disapproval of the bill, doubting its effectiveness in preventing school shootings and raising concerns about possible negative outcomes, such as the negligent handling of a firearm by a teacher or escalated use of force in disciplinary situations.

Republican supporters of the bill argued that allowing trained staff to carry weapons could enhance security, especially in remote areas where law enforcement is less readily available. They cited the state-funded school resource officer positions as a step towards improved safety, though many schools still lack an officer due to hiring difficulties.

State Representative Ryan Williams, who introduced the bill, claimed it was designed to safeguard students and serve as a deterrent to potential threats. He referenced a 2016 law that allowed some districts to enable teachers to carry firearms, suggesting that the idea is not new in Tennessee.

Williams emphasized the bill’s optional nature, stating that no school is mandated to allow firearms on campus. However, the bill seems to require administrators to evaluate each individual’s request to carry a weapon, rather than allowing a general opt-out policy for schools or districts.

Public Outcry and Legislative Challenges

The bill has been met with strong opposition, particularly from parents of school shooting survivors, gun control advocates, and students. A Covenant School mother submitted a letter with thousands of signatures to the House, calling for the bill to be discarded, highlighting concerns over training gaps and the added burden on teachers.

Parents who have experienced the trauma of school shootings have urged senators to consider the safety of children, recounting how teachers’ actions saved lives during past incidents. They also expressed worries about the bill’s confidentiality clause, which limits the disclosure of armed individuals within schools.

Representative Justin Pearson criticized the bill as reckless, emphasizing the right of parents to be informed about the presence of firearms in classrooms and the potential risks they pose to children.

As the debate continues, opponents of the bill have made their stance clear, filling the House gallery with signs of disapproval, underscoring the deep divide and passionate opinions surrounding the issue of guns in schools.

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