Tennessee lawmakers recently passed a GOP-backed bill that allows schoolteachers to carry firearms on school grounds, with the names of the armed instructors kept private. The bill, Senate Bill 1325, was approved in the state Senate with a 26-5 vote and requires teachers to have a handgun carry permit, written authorization from the school’s principal and local law enforcement, and undergo 40 hours of handgun training. The bill is now headed to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk to be signed into law.
The approval of the bill sparked protests from teachers, students, Democratic lawmakers, and parents of The Covenant School in Nashville, where a fatal shooting occurred last year. Despite outcries and chanting from protesters during the legislative process, the bill ultimately passed with a 68-28 vote in the state’s House. Critics, such as Rep. Justin Jones, called the bill “morally insane” and expressed concerns about the safety implications of arming teachers in schools.
Supporters of the bill argue that arming teachers could provide a more immediate response to shooting situations, particularly in rural areas with limited law enforcement resources. The sponsors of the bill emphasized the rigorous training and evaluation requirements that teachers must meet in order to carry firearms on school grounds. They also emphasized that the identities of armed teachers would not be made public, in an effort to maintain security.
The bill is part of a larger effort by Tennessee Republicans to loosen gun laws in the state, including implementing permitless carry for handguns in 2021 and expanding the law to include long guns. Additionally, lawmakers approved a bill allowing private schools with pre-kindergarten classes to have guns on campus, which is awaiting the governor’s signature to become law. The overall push for more permissive gun laws has faced criticism from opponents who fear the potential dangers and implications of arming teachers in educational settings.
Despite the ongoing debate and controversy surrounding the bill, its proponents believe that allowing teachers to carry firearms could enhance the safety and security of schools, particularly in the event of an active shooter situation. A year after the tragic shooting at The Covenant School, which resulted in multiple fatalities, Tennessee lawmakers are continuing their efforts to expand gun rights and access throughout the state. The final decision on the bill’s implementation and enforcement will ultimately rest with individual school districts, law enforcement agencies, and school administrators.
