Tennessee’s armed teacher law reignites debate

NATION — Tennessee becomes the latest state to allow teachers to carry guns in schools, the controversial move has reignited the national debate over arming educators in the classroom. Governor Bill Lee signed the bill into law on April 27, 2024, sparking discussions about school safety measures and drawing comparisons to similar policies in other states, including Arizona.
Under the new Tennessee law, teachers and staff who wish to carry concealed handguns on school grounds must meet stringent requirements. They must possess a valid enhanced handgun carry permit, obtain written authorization from both the school principal and the director of schools, complete 40 hours of specialized training in school policing, undergo a psychological evaluation, and submit to fingerprinting for state and federal background checks.
The law also includes confidentiality provisions that prohibit the disclosure of the identities of armed staff to parents or other employees. Communications regarding individuals authorized to carry firearms must remain confidential between school administrators and law enforcement agencies.
Tennessee’s decision to arm teachers comes nearly a year after the tragic shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, which claimed the lives of three students and three staff members. The incident sparked heated debates about school safety and the role of armed personnel in preventing such tragedies.
Arizona, like Tennessee, allows school districts to authorize teachers and staff to carry concealed weapons on campus. However, the two states’ laws differ in several key aspects.
In Arizona, school districts have been permitted to allow teachers and staff to carry concealed weapons on campus since 2013. To be eligible, individuals must have a valid concealed carry permit and receive approval from the school district and local law enforcement.
Unlike Tennessee’s law, Arizona does not mandate a specific number of training hours for armed school staff. The decision to require additional training is left to the discretion of individual school districts.
Arizona’s law also does not include confidentiality provisions like those found in the Tennessee legislation. The decision to disclose the identities of armed staff to parents and other employees is left to the school districts.
The implementation of Arizona’s armed teacher policy has been met with mixed reactions. Some rural school districts, such as the Colorado River Union High School District, have embraced the measure, arguing that it provides an additional layer of protection in areas where law enforcement response times may be longer.
However, many of Arizona’s larger school districts have opted not to allow armed staff, citing concerns about liability, training, and the potential for accidents.
Proponents of arming teachers argue that it serves as a deterrent to potential school shooters and provides a quick response in the event of an attack. “You don’t want to have a gun that’s available to a student or another worker who may have mental health issues,” Maureen S. Rush, vice president for public safety and superintendent of the Police Department at the University of Pennsylvania, told The New York Times.
Opponents, including teachers’ unions and gun control advocates, raise concerns about the risks associated with introducing more firearms into schools. They argue that even with training, teachers may not be adequately prepared to respond effectively in high-stress, life-threatening situations.
The National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have expressed opposition to arming teachers, stating that it could create a climate of fear and anxiety among students and school staff.
Research on the effectiveness of arming teachers in preventing school shootings is limited and inconclusive. A RAND Corporation study found that there is “almost precisely zero research” on the effectiveness of arming teachers and how it works in practice.
Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, the debate over arming teachers continues to be shaped by political and ideological divisions. Supporters of gun rights, including the National Rifle Association (NRA), have advocated for arming teachers as a means of enhancing school safety, as reported by The New York Times.
However, gun control advocates argue that the focus should be on implementing stronger gun laws, such as universal background checks and bans on assault-style weapons, rather than introducing more guns into schools, according to Everytown for Gun Safety.
As states grapple with the ongoing challenge of school safety, it is crucial that policymakers, educators, and communities engage in evidence-based discussions to find effective solutions. While Arizona and Tennessee have taken different approaches to arming teachers, both states’ policies have been met with a mix of support and opposition.
The debate over arming teachers is likely to continue as more states consider similar legislation. It is essential that decisions are guided by research, stakeholder input, and a commitment to creating safe and supportive learning environments for all students.
As Arizona and other states monitor the implementation of Tennessee’s armed teacher law, it remains to be seen whether such policies will have a meaningful impact on school safety. Ultimately, finding effective solutions will require a comprehensive approach that addresses the complex factors contributing to school violence, including access to mental health resources, effective threat assessment protocols, and collaborative efforts between schools, law enforcement, and the community.
—Stephen Lightman