District rejects legislative plan to put more guns in schools
Officials in Memphis have announced that their school system will not allow teachers to carry guns at school, despite a legislative decision that would allow districts to permit teachers who receive certain training to carry firearms on school grounds.
More districts saying they won’t be arming teachers
Despite Gov. Lee’s quick signing of legislation that takes effect immediately and allows teachers to be armed at school with certain training, districts across the state are make clear this was not the policy change they were looking for.
Rev. Brandon Berg, pastor of Norris and Sinking Springs United Methodist Churches, issued a statement by way of the Southern Christian Coalition.
“As a father of 3 children in Anderson County Schools I am enormously glad tremendously relieved that Anderson County schools and Dr. Parrott have joined so many voices and so many school systems and directors of schools across the state of Tennessee in standing up against arming teachers in our schools,” said Berg.
District joins growing list of those rejecting legislature’s gun push
Robertson County Schools joins a growing list of districts in the state who refuse to arm teachers, despite the General Assembly and Gov. Lee pushing the idea.
I simply do not believe it is in any of our best interests in Robertson County to arm educators at this time. Our administrators, teachers, and staff have many responsibilities as we daily seek to provide the best education we can to our students. Our administration has extremely high expectations for all staff in providing that education. As Director of Schools, I do not see blurring the line between education and law enforcement.”
-Statement of Danny Weeks, Robertson Co. Director of Schools
School districts speak out on law that would allow teachers to carry concealed firearms
Almost as soon as the General Assembly passed legislation that would allow teachers to carry guns at school if they meet certain requirements, a number of school districts began saying they would not be participating.
“Our teachers and principals carry tremendous responsibilities in teaching and supporting our students in the classroom. Our teachers and principals already play a critical role in school safety by ensuring that our safety procedures are followed in our school buildings daily. We do not want to add one more task or responsibility to them.”
Other districts also indicated they will not be participating in arming teachers.
Photo from TN Holler noting opposition in Nashville, Memphis
Lawmakers approve measure that would allow teachers to carry guns at school
The Tennessee General Assembly has sent Gov. Bill Lee a bill that would allow teachers who complete certain training to carry concealed firearms on school campuses.
A bill that would allow teachers to carry a concealed gun on campus and school property has been passed by the Tennessee General Assembly.
It passed on the Senate floor on Tuesday with 26 votes for and five votes against and was held on the House desk until it took up a vote later in the day. HB1202 passed by a 68-28 vote, with 2 representatives deciding not to vote. The Senate version of the bill was passed by a 26-5 vote on April 9.
“SB1325 and HB1202 overlook evidence-based solutions to school safety while promoting a culture of fear and militarization,” Mobley stated. “Teachers are not trained law enforcement officers. Expecting them to handle firearms in high-stress situations without adequate training increases the potential for accidents, misuse, and escalation of violence. Even with extensive training, accidents can happen. A loaded firearm in a classroom increases the risk of accidental discharge and the potential of injuring or killing students or staff.”
A bill that would allow teachers to carry a concealed gun on campus and school property is moving through the Tennessee General Assembly.
It passed on the Senate floor on Tuesday with 26 votes for and five votes against. On Thursday, it was held on the House’s desk.
If passed, this bill would allow school staff members to carry a concealed gun upon completing training, background checks and a psychological evaluation. Substitute teachers or part-time employees cannot participate.
It’s not yet clear whether the House will move the legislation forward. Should the House pass the legislation, it would go to Gov. Lee for his signature.
14th District State House candidate Amanda Collins calls Gov. Bill Lee’s recent executive order on gun violence “performative paperwork.”
My statement on Governor Lee's Executive Order that he signed earlier today. As a parent, I am scared for the safety of my children and angry at do-nothing politicians. pic.twitter.com/YrBOx0KkSZ
— Amanda Collins TN HD14 (@amandafortn) June 6, 2022
Lee issued the order in the wake of the Uvalde shooting. He also indicated in an interview with Chalkbeat that he’s open to arming teachers.
At a legislative committee meeting today where state representative Andy Holt, often the purveyor of terrible ideas, advocated for allowing Tennessee teachers to carry concealed weapons at school, Commissioner of Education Penny Schwinn seemed unable or unwilling to stand for teachers. The Tennessean has more on how Penny dropped the ball:
Ahead of the 2020 legislative session, at least one lawmaker is already expressing interest in allowing teachers to carry guns in schools.
It’s a measure some Republican lawmakers have pushed unsuccessfully in recent years, and one that Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn on Monday declined to give a position on.
“I’m not in a place to comment on that at this time,” Schwinn said after a House budget hearing when asked whether she supported the notion of arming public school teachers. “We’re focusing on the budget hearing.”
Apparently, the issue of allowing guns in schools was too much to handle for the former educator who also noted many times during the legislative hearing that she’s also a parent.
Does Schwinn want teachers at the schools her children attend to be armed? Does she, someone with classroom experience, think it’s wise to arm teachers?
It seems she doesn’t know. Or, well, she’s just unwilling to challenge a bully and blowhard like Holt, known more for his obnoxious cowbell on the House floor than for his legislative efficacy.
Schwinn is running a department that is in disarray and now seems unable (unwilling) to stand up for Tennessee teachers and students when they need it most.
All of this raises yet another question: What does Governor Bill Lee think? Is the HVAC mogul a supporter of arming teachers? Does he support Holt’s idea? Will he continue to back a Commissioner of Education who can’t be bothered to offer support for teachers on a pretty straightforward question?
American cent
For more on education politics and policy in Tennessee, follow @TNEdReport
