Republican lawmakers in Tennessee have advanced a proposal to allow some teachers to carry handguns on public school grounds, one of the state’s biggest expansions of gun access since a deadly shooting at a private elementary school last year. The proposal, which cleared the GOP-controlled chamber, has faced opposition from protesters and Democratic senators who believe it puts children at risk. The bill would only allow certain staff members to carry guns and would require written authorization from school administrators and local law enforcement.
The emotional debate comes in the wake of a shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville last March that left three children and three adults dead. Despite efforts to push for significant gun control measures, Tennessee’s Republican-dominated statehouse has largely dismissed such proposals. Supporters of the bill argue that it could be beneficial in rural counties with limited law enforcement resources, emphasizing that teachers would not be required to use their weapons in active shooter situations.
Republican Senator Ken Yager stressed that the goal of the bill is to protect students from active shooters, not to harm them. Workers who wish to carry a handgun would need to meet several requirements, including obtaining a handgun carry permit, written authorization, background checks, and handgun training. However, opponents of the bill, including parents from The Covenant School, are disappointed with the legislative decision and believe that more can be done to ensure the safety of students.
Tennessee Republicans have a history of loosening gun laws in the state, including permitless carry for handguns in 2021. Most recently, House Republicans have introduced a proposal to expand the state’s permitless carry law to include long guns. The bill must still go through the House and Senate for approval. Additionally, Republicans are awaiting the governor’s decision on a bill that would allow private schools with pre-kindergarten classes to have guns on campus, while private schools without pre-K already have the option to decide on gun policies.
Senate Republicans have also advanced an amendment to the Tennessee Constitution’s “right to keep, bear, and wear arms,” which would extend the right beyond defense and remove the ability for lawmakers to regulate the wearing of arms to prevent crime. If approved, this amendment would not be on the ballot until 2026. The debate over gun access in schools and broader gun rights in Tennessee reflects a larger national discussion on gun control and safety measures in light of recent school shootings and other instances of gun violence.
