"Teachers Carry Guns to Class"... The U.S. Place Pushing Controversial Bill

Legislation Proposed After Elementary School Shooting Incident
Strong Opposition from Parents and Others... 5,300 Petitioners Submitted

The Tennessee House of Representatives in the United States has allowed teachers to carry handguns on school grounds.

Tennessee Proposes Bill Allowing Teachers to Carry Guns on Campus Following Mass Shooting Incident... Background Checks and Training Required

A gunman carrying a rifle walking around a private elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, in March last year. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

On the 23rd (local time), the Associated Press reported that the Tennessee House of Representatives approved a bill allowing teachers to carry firearms on school grounds with 68 votes in favor and 28 against, supported by Republican lawmakers. The bill, which the Senate had already passed earlier this month, will take effect once Governor Bill Lee, a Republican, signs it.

However, the passage of the bill does not mean that all teachers will immediately be able to carry firearms on campus. To carry a handgun on school grounds, a background check and completion of 40 hours of training are required. Additionally, approval and written consent from the school principal and local law enforcement authorities must be obtained. The bill also prohibits carrying firearms at school events held in playgrounds, gymnasiums, and auditoriums, and forbids disclosing the identities of teachers or staff carrying guns to parents or other teachers.

Previously, Tennessee experienced a tragic mass shooting at a Nashville elementary school in March last year, resulting in seven deaths including the perpetrator. Republicans and conservatives expect that armed teachers will effectively prevent potential school shooters. Ryan Williams, the Republican state representative who introduced the bill, stated, "The entire state is suffering from the difficulties caused by shootings," and explained, "This bill is intended to establish deterrence (the power to prevent an attack by fear of retaliation)."

Sean Breast, spokesperson for Metro Nashville Public Schools, said, "Only authorized law enforcement officers carrying firearms on campus is the best and safest approach." The gun safety organization Giffords Law Center added, "About half of the U.S. states allow teachers or other school staff to carry firearms on school grounds."

Concerns Raised That Gun Possession May Lead to Accidental Shootings

On the 9th, protesters opposing the bill allowing teachers to carry handguns in Tennessee gathered outside the Tennessee State Capitol. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

However, the media reported that even if the bill takes effect, it is unclear whether firearms will actually be allowed on campus in educational settings. Some express concerns that "allowing guns on campus could lead to accidental shootings." Democratic state representative Justin Pearson strongly criticized the bill's passage, calling it "a terrible day for Tennessee, the community, children, and teachers."

Parents' opposition is also significant. A mother from Covenant School submitted a petition with 5,300 signatures on the 22nd, urging lawmakers to repeal the bill. Melissa Alexander, one of the parents who signed, said, "The children survived because teachers evacuated them discreetly without provoking the shooter during the mass shooting incident," and added, "Imagine what would have happened if the teachers had confronted the shooter with greater firepower."