Tennessee to Allow Teachers to Carry Concealed Firearms in Schools
On Friday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed legislation permitting teachers to carry concealed handguns on public school grounds in the state.
“What’s important is that we give districts tools and the option to use a tool that will keep their children safe,” Lee explained to reporters regarding the new law.
Effective immediately, the law, HB 1202/SB 1321, allows teachers to carry concealed firearms on school premises without having to disclose their armed status to parents or colleagues, similar to concealed carry laws in other public spaces.
Under the provisions of the law, teachers seeking to carry firearms must obtain written authorization from the school principal and law enforcement officials, in addition to holding a valid handgun carry permit. They are also required to undergo 40 hours of handgun training and pass a background check.
The law does not, however, extend to school events held in large venues like stadiums or auditoriums, where the presence of firearms remains prohibited.
As the legislation was being passed by the Tennessee legislature, many protesters were present to voice their criticism of the bill. Protesters gathered at the Capitol, chanting slogans like “Blood on your hands” as state legislators passed the bill.
Despite concerns and differing opinions about the legislation, Governor Lee reiterated the shared goal of prioritizing student safety across the state.
“There are folks across the state who disagree on the way forward, but we all agree that we should keep our kids safe,” expressed Lee.
It remains to be seen how many public schools in Tennessee will permit staff members to conceal carry on school grounds. One school district, the Metro Nashville Public Schools district, has already expressed reservations with a spokesperson saying the district believes “it is best and safest for only approved active-duty law enforcement to carry weapons on campus.”
