In a divisive move, the legislature of the US state of Tennessee approved a bill on Tuesday permitting teachers and school staff to carry concealed handguns within schools, a significant step taken by Republican leaders following a deadly shooting incident in Nashville.
The bill’s passage, amidst objections from protesters who chanted “Not one more kid!”, highlights the ongoing debate over firearms and school safety in the state. Despite vocal opposition, the measure received approval in both the state House and Senate, sparking criticism from Democratic representatives.
State Representative Bo Mitchell voiced concerns over the response to school violence, questioning the decision to increase the presence of firearms in educational settings.
This move comes in the wake of the Covenant School shooting in March 2023, where three students and three adults were killed. Since then, the state has seen heated discussions on gun policy, with tensions escalating at the Capitol and protests erupting among parents and advocacy groups.
Despite previous efforts, including the implementation of resource officers, Tennessee has refrained from enacting significant gun control measures. The latest bill marks a contentious shift in policy, drawing attention to the ongoing debate surrounding gun rights and safety in schools.
