Many Schools in Tennessee Reject New Law Allowing Teachers to Carry Firearms on Campus
In the wake of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signing into law a bill that allows teachers and other school employees to carry firearms on school grounds, several school officials in the state, including those in the Tri-Cities area have voiced their disapproval. Leaders from Johnson City and Sullivan County public school systems and the Tri-Cities Christian Academy disclosed that they would not permit their staff to carry hidden weapons on campus, negating the new legislation.
A Controversial Law in the Name of Safety
The law signed on April 26 authorizes school employees to carry a firearm provided they obtain approval from the school principal, director, or superintendent and possess an advanced gun carry permit. Additionally, they must undergo a minimum of 40 hours of firearm training annually, pass an FBI background check, and complete a psychological/psychiatric mental health evaluation. Notably, the law places the burden of liability squarely on the gun-carrying employees should anything go wrong such as a firearm falling into the hands of a student or an accidental shooting.
Views from Different School Systems
While the Officials at Johnson City Schools, Sullivan County Schools, and Tri-Cities Christian Academy have made known their refusal to adopt the new law within their premises, heads of Hawkins County and Carter County school systems revealed a more open stance, indicating a willingness to consider requests from their staff to carry firearms. Authorities of other educational systems in the region remain non-committal, stating the need for further study on the matter.
The law, welcomed by some as a solution to provide additional protection within learning environments, has brought to the fore discussions on the best ways to bolster security in schools. Such conversations were triggered by the recent mass shooting at Covenant School in Nashville causing the death of six individuals. Despite the funding put forward last year by Lee and legislatures to appoint School Resource Officers (SROs) in each school, approximately one-fourth of the state’s public schools are without SROs according to education focused online publication, ChalkBeat.
Teacher’s Union Opposes the Move
Comments from the Tennessee Education Association (TEA) suggest that educators in the state prefer to focus on teaching rather than to arm themselves for security. The Union commended the governor’s grants to enable the assignment of an SRO in every school, a strategy they consider effective in ensuring safer learning spaces. However, many educators have voiced concerns, stating that the legal provisions may put the students in greater risk. They also believe there are better alternatives to guarantee that learners return home safely at the close of each school day.
Conclusion
As schools and officials in Tennessee grapple with the implementation of the newly enacted law, it has elicited a robust debate on school safety, posing important questions around the best methods for ensuring the protection of students and staff alike. Loopholes in the law such as liability issues, proper identification of armed staff during emergencies, and potential impacts on insurance rates are some of the pressing issues requiring careful consideration in light of recent events.
