In the Republican-dominated state of Tennessee, lawmakers recently passed a bill allowing teachers to bring concealed handguns to school. This bill was passed amidst the protests who yelled their opposition from the gallery.
Democratic State Representative Justin Pearson vehemently protested against the bill, calling it bad for students, communities, and teachers.
He further stated that instead of looking after the kids, they are favoring guns again. “This is an awful day for Tennessee, our kids, our teachers, and communities, instead of protecting kids, they’ve protected guns AGAIN!”
However, certain layers are added to this passed bill. Under this bill, the owner of the concealed handgun should have 40 hours of training in the school policing.
Second, the cost of the gun and its training should be beared by the owner. Third, teacher’s identity or of the staffer should be anonymous accompanied by school leaders’s approval for the gun. And lastly, the local enforcement should be informed about the gun carrier’s identity.
According to supporters of the law, armed teachers would deter school shooters amidst the rise in school shooting incidents in the US over the last 25 years. While the opponents in turn argue that it will lead to more incidents of school shootings.
This new gun law was earlier passed by the Senate, and later it was approved by the Tennessee House with a vote of 68-28.