Tennessee Advances Bill to Arm Teachers Despite Strong Opposition and Safety Concerns

As Tennessee lawmakers push forward a bill to allow teachers to carry guns, widespread protests and safety concerns highlight deep divisions.

Tennessee's Senate recently passed a bill permitting teachers to carry concealed firearms in classrooms, sparking protests from students, parents, and educators.
Critics, including teachers and law enforcement officials, argue that arming teachers could increase risks in schools and complicate police responses during shootings.
Proponents of the bill claim it addresses security gaps in schools without resource officers, but opponents cite research showing guns in schools elevate risks to children.
Public sentiment in Tennessee shows strong opposition to the bill, with recent protests and a student walkout emphasizing the community's demand for stricter gun control measures.
The debate intensifies as the House prepares to discuss the bill, with both local and national attention focused on the potential implications for school safety.