Tired of frequent school shootings, the US passes a bill allowing teachers to carry guns to school.
The controversial bill allowing teachers and other school employees to carry concealed handguns in schools was passed by the Tennessee legislature on Tuesday. This choice was made just under a year following the tragic shooting that left six people dead at a Nashville school. With protestors yelling, “Not one more kid!” The House passed the bill, prompting House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R) to kick at least one person out of the gallery.
The bill, which has already passed the state Senate, pits the Republican supermajority’s pro-gun position against parental demands for tougher gun laws, highlighting a glaring divide in Tennessee’s approach to gun control and school safety. State Representative Bo Mitchell (D) opposed the proposal, arguing that arming more teachers with firearms is not a reasonable response to acts of violence.
Tennessee Lawmakers vote for the bill.
Following the March 2023 Covenant School shooting, in which a former student killed three children and three adults, this legislation is one of many pro-gun proposals that have been considered. Though there have been calls for stricter gun laws, the state has not passed any meaningful gun usage restrictions in favour of measures it feels will improve school safety, like requiring resource officers.
The topic has caused lots of discussion and action in Tennessee, which has resulted in the expulsion of two Democratic lawmakers and propelled Republican women into the gun control movement. Parents and students have been vocal in their opposition during legislative sessions, and there has been a notable turnout at the state Capitol in recent protests.
Sen. Paul Bailey (R), the bill’s sponsor in the Senate, defended it, pointing out that surprise might be a tactical advantage. The bill’s provisions place Tennessee in line with the few states that have similar laws permitting guns in classrooms. Both parties anticipate that Governor law Lee will sign the law, which is currently awaiting his signature. On the governor’s plans about the measure, however, the governor’s administration has not yet responded.
The bill was approved 68–28, and Republican governor Bill Lee will review it. The largest increase in gun access in the state since the tragic shooting at a Nashville private elementary school last year would occur if he signs it into law.
Following the vote, Republican lawmakers were harassed by members of the public who were against the bill, which prompted House Speaker Cameron Sexton to order the galleries cleared.
The bill, which had already passed the state Senate, was opposed by all Democrats and four members of the House Republicans. The bill would prevent parents and even other teachers from learning who among the staff members is armed, in addition to school officials and law enforcement. To allow staff to carry guns, a principal, school district, and law enforcement agency must consent.
Even though the votes signify a majority of lawmakers have voted for this but turns out this is not what most of the parents and teachers want. Is this really a solution to the problem? or just an escape?
What will be done?
The teachers can not be given a gun in a place like school where they would be surrounded by children 24*7 without proper training. A complete background check for the teachers would be done, they would have to carry a special permit. 40 hours of basic school policing training and 40 hours of school policing-specific training approved by the Peace Officer’s Standards and Training commission must be completed.
