Local officials comment on TN bill allowing school faculty to carry
JACKSON, Tenn. — Tennessee teachers will have the right to carry concealed guns on public school grounds once the governor signs a new law passed on Tuesday, May 2.
In late March of 2023, a private elementary school in Nashville became a target for a mass shooting, killing six staff members and teachers.
Gun control has since became a topic of discussion for Tennessee residents and leaders.
Dr. Marlon King, superintendent for the Jackson Madison County School System says the bill will not be used to arms teachers in the district.
“There might be a circumstance we’re low on SROS 10 years from now and it might be where I might need an SRO now vetted really hard and I would make certain that I do everything to protect students and teachers,” said King.
King says that the protection of his students and staff is important.
He also adds that he wants teachers to focus on educating the students.
“I think one of the things thats so important now is educating kids in buildings is what we should be focused on not becoming an additional school resource officer,” said King.
Sheriff Brian Duke with Henderson County says that this bill has him worried on the outcome.
“The way law enforcement is trained we got to take out the shooter and my worry is a teacher engaged with an active shooter and we respond. Our training teaches us to go to the sound of gun for and take out the person holding the gun,” said Duke.
School districts that will act on this bill will have to train under their sheriff’s office.
“We’ll put in the what we feel like is the correct way to meet or exceed those standards. And at some point we’ll meet school principals school board directors school board members. See how they feel about it locally and you know we’ll just go from there,” said Duke.
Sheriff Duke says that training these teachers will help his confidence,,,
“And I’m not against teachers carrying but I am definitely want them to be trained,” said Duke.
The bill now heads to Governor Lee’s desk, where he is expected to sign it.
Prior to this bill, there has been 3 laws targeted towards carrying laws.
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