Tennessee governor approves bill permitting teachers and staff to carry weapons on school grounds

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed a new law on Friday that permits teachers and school staff in the state to carry guns on school premises, as reported on the General Assembly's website.

The bill was passed by state legislators on Tuesday, allowing faculty or staff members to have a concealed handgun at school, with the condition that they have approval from the principal and meet other requirements.

Lee, a Republican, emphasized the importance of districts having the right to choose how to implement the law during a news conference with CNN affiliate WSMV. He stated that it is crucial for districts to have the tools necessary to keep their children safe in schools.

CNN contacted Lee’s office for additional comments.

This bill brings the ongoing discussion about arming teachers to the forefront once again, especially as mass shootings persist not only in schools but also at events like parades, festivals, and places of worship. Gun violence remains the top cause of death for children in the US. According to the Gun Violence Archive, 443 children under the age of 18 have already lost their lives to gun violence this year.

Thirty-four states have laws that prohibit teachers and the general public from carrying guns in K-12 schools, as reported by Everytown for Gun Safety.

In Tennessee, school personnel who wish to carry a concealed weapon must:

• Get an enhanced carry permit

• Get written authorization from the superintendent, principal and the chief of the appropriate law enforcement agency

To work as a school police officer, you need to complete 40 hours of basic training in school policing and 40 hours of training approved by the Peace Officer’s Standards and Training commission each year. This training is specialized for school policing and is at the educator's expense. Additionally, you must undergo a background check as part of the requirements.

To carry a handgun in Tennessee, you must first pass a psychological exam given by a licensed health care provider in the state. However, it is important to note that openly carrying weapons is not permitted, and handguns should not be visible to the public. Additionally, handguns are prohibited in locations such as stadiums, gymnasiums, and auditoriums during school events, as well as in meetings discussing tenure or disciplinary matters.

Many opponents of the law are concerned that parents may not be aware if their child's teacher is armed. Democratic state Sen. Raumesh Akbari pointed out the irony that a teacher can carry a gun in the state but is not allowed to display a rainbow flag on their desk.

After the bill vote this week, people chanted "Blood on your hands" to lawmakers. The Tennessee Education Association stated on Wednesday that the governor should prioritize measures for teachers to focus on education without compromising student safety.

The teachers’ organization mentioned a social worker who emphasized her expertise in education, not marksmanship.

Another educator praised lawmakers for their efforts to enhance safety but doubted the effectiveness of the law in achieving that goal.

Chris Cogdill, a government and politics teacher at Jefferson County High School, expressed his desire for his students to safely return home at the end of the day. He believes there should be alternative methods to ensure their safety, rather than relying on him to carry a gun.

Editor's P/S:

The recent law allowing teachers and school staff in Tennessee to carry guns on school premises has sparked a heated debate. While supporters argue that it enhances school safety, opponents