By Robert Jordan, Founder of Protecting Our Students
Tennessee Law and Immediate Context
On March 27, 2023, a tragic shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville claimed the lives of three children and three adults. One year later, in April 2024, Tennessee lawmakers passed Senate Bill 1325, which allows certain teachers and staff with enhanced handgun carry permits to carry concealed firearms on public school grounds. The bill, passed by the Republican-led Tennessee House and Senate, awaits the signature of Gov. Bill Lee to become law. This development has sparked widespread discussion about school safety measures in Tennessee and beyond.
The Debate Over Arming Teachers
The bill permits schools to authorize select educators to carry concealed handguns without requiring schools to notify parents. Supporters of the legislation, including some Republican lawmakers, state that it addresses school resource officer shortages, particularly in rural districts, by enabling trained staff to respond to potential threats. Critics, including some Democratic legislators and community members, argue that the presence of firearms in schools could introduce new safety concerns, citing data from organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety, which notes risks such as accidental discharges or weapon theft. A Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy poll indicates that many Tennessee parents and teachers question whether arming educators enhances school safety.
Public Response and Other Safety Measures
The Covenant School shooting prompted significant public response, with families and advocates gathering at the Tennessee Capitol to call for various safety reforms, including universal background checks and red-flag laws. During the legislative session, protests erupted in the House galleries, with some demonstrators removed after shouting objections to the bill. Meanwhile, Tennessee has implemented other safety measures since the shooting, including funding for school resource officers and enhanced security protocols in some districts.
Protecting Our Students Safety Assessment Platform
At Protecting Our Students, our mission is to support schools nationwide with our 4-level safety assessment platform, designed to address a range of safety needs. The platform includes: Level 1, assessing physical security; Level 2, evaluating behavioral school climate and culture; Level 3, reviewing safety partnerships and emergency response preparedness; and Level 4, focusing on safety systems and ongoing policy alignment and staff training. Schools across the country have utilized these assessments to identify vulnerabilities and implement tailored safety plans. Our work provides schools with data-driven tools to enhance security, complementing local efforts like those in Tennessee.
A National Challenge for School Safety
The debate over arming teachers reflects the broader challenge of ensuring safe learning environments. Thirty-four states currently prohibit firearms in K-12 schools, while others, like Tennessee, explore alternative approaches. As schools navigate these decisions, resources like our safety assessments offer a structured framework to evaluate and strengthen safety measures.
For more information on how our 4-level safety assessment platform can support your school’s safety efforts, and to support our mission visit www.protectingourstudents.org.