A push to arm teachers in Tennessee is gaining momentum as the state’s legislative session comes to a close. The bill would require teachers to undergo 40 hours of training in school policing in addition to other requirements. However, some parents and security experts are raising concerns about the potential risks involved in arming teachers.
Mary Joyce, a parent of a Covenant School student who survived a mass shooting, shared her experience and concerns about the bill. She and other parents from the school have been advocating for safer gun laws following the tragedy. Despite their efforts, Republican lawmakers are one vote away from passing the bill, which would allow teachers to carry concealed handguns on school grounds under certain conditions.
While supporters of the bill argue that it could save lives and prevent mass violence, opponents like Joyce and security expert Moose Moore believe that the training requirements for teachers are insufficient compared to those for school resource officers. Moore emphasized that 40 hours of training is not enough to adequately prepare teachers to respond to dangerous situations.
The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Ryan Williams, plans to push for a vote before the legislative session ends. However, opponents of the bill are urging lawmakers to listen to the concerns of Tennesseans and focus on enacting safer gun laws instead of increasing the presence of weapons in schools. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen when Tennessee lawmakers will call the bill up for a vote.
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