Tennessee Governor Lee Approves Concealed Carry for Public Schoolteachers

Teachers and staff in Tennessee public schools will now have the option to carry concealed handguns on school grounds, as Governor Bill Lee signed a new legislation into law. This decision comes after intense debate and opposition from gun control advocates and families, culminating in protests during the final vote in the General Assembly.

Governor Lee, a Republican who expressed his support for the proposal just a day before its signing, emphasized the importance of providing districts with tools to ensure the safety of children. The new law mandates that parents and other teachers will not be informed of which staff members are armed at their schools.

In order for a school employee to carry a handgun, approval must be granted by the principal, school district, and law enforcement agency. Additionally, the individual must possess a handgun carry permit, written authorization from the principal and local law enforcement, clear a background check, and undergo 40 hours of handgun training. However, carrying guns at certain school events, such as stadiums, gymnasiums, or auditoriums, will not be permitted.

This legislation marks a significant expansion of gun access in the state, following a tragic incident at a Nashville elementary school last year where a shooter took the lives of three children and three adults before being killed by police. Despite Governor Lee’s initial request to keep guns away from individuals deemed dangerous, the Republican-led General Assembly proceeded with the bill.

Throughout the legislative process, families from Covenant, a private school community, actively opposed the idea of arming teachers. They collected thousands of signatures from Tennesseans against the presence of firearms on school grounds. Despite differing opinions on the best approach, Governor Lee reiterated the common goal of prioritizing the safety of children.

As the new law goes into effect immediately, the decision to allow teachers to carry guns remains at the discretion of each school district. Metro Nashville Public Schools, for instance, has expressed a preference for only approved active-duty law enforcement personnel to carry weapons on campus.