In a controversial move to address school shootings, Republican-controlled legislatures in Tennessee and Iowa have passed laws allowing teachers and school staff to carry concealed handguns on campus. These measures, backed by the National Rifle Association, have sparked fierce debate, with gun control advocates vehemently opposing them.
Critics argue that arming teachers does not address the underlying issue of access to guns, the root cause of school shootings. They cite the absence of credible research or evidence to support the claim that arming teachers enhances school safety, emphasizing that increasing the number of guns in schools does not equate to greater safety.
The Tennessee law, SB 1325, requires faculty or staff to undergo police approval, psychological evaluation, and 40 hours of annual training before being allowed to carry a concealed handgun on campus. Similarly, Iowa’s law, signed into law last week, allows school employees to obtain a new permit to carry firearms on school grounds.
Both laws maintain the confidentiality of those who carry firearms, preventing parents and students from knowing who is armed on campus at any given moment. This lack of transparency raises concerns about potential incidents and the ability to ensure responsible and appropriate use of weapons.
Gun control advocates, such as Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action, vehemently oppose these measures, highlighting the dangers of creating a ‘guns everywhere culture.’ They emphasize that making schools safer requires addressing the availability of firearms, not increasing their presence.
Despite the opposition, the National Rifle Association and other pro-gun organizations have lobbied in favor of these laws, citing the Second Amendment right to bear arms. However, critics question the wisdom of applying this right to school environments, where the primary focus should be on education and the well-being of students and staff.
