Tennessee House Passes Bill Allowing Teachers To Carry Guns Amid 'Blood On Your Hands' Chants | Video

Tennessee House Republicans on Tuesday approved legislation allowing some certified teachers and school employees to carry firearms despite petitions from Democrats, students, and proponents of gun reform to oppose the bill.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton, a Republican from Charlottesville, had to urge state troopers to evacuate the galleries when dozens of demonstrators started screaming "Blood on your hands" as soon as the law was enacted.

As the House floor descended into pandemonium over legislative matters, several demonstrators persisted in chanting and stomping down on legislators.

The proposed legislation has major implications for Tennessee's educational system and is expected to become law under Governor Bill Lee's administration. If passed, the proposed bill would allow certified teachers to carry concealed pistols on school property. Supporters claim this will increase campus security, especially in areas where local enforcement is underutilized.

The proposed legislation mandates that instructors who choose to carry guns must complete a mandated training program, however questions have been raised about the program's apparent suitability. Interestingly, the measure requires the support of the principal, the director of schools for the district, and the selected law enforcement agency. This gives administrative control over who may grant staff members permission to carry concealed weapons.

There has been strong opposition to the law, with critics pointing to concerns about unforeseen repercussions and the effectiveness of the suggested countermeasures against intruder threats. Democratic lawmakers have expressed their concerns, warning about possible dangers including the possibility of weapons ending up in the wrong hands or the possibility of disciplinary actions becoming out of hand.

The bill's proponents argue that arming teachers is a practical way to increase school safety, especially in rural regions where there aren't as many law enforcement personnel. Representative Ryan Williams, the bill's author, emphasizes the bill's permissive nature, stressing that individual schools would have the freedom to decide whether or not to join the program.

Supporters also draw parallels with other legislative initiatives, most notably a 2016 bill that gave some economically disadvantaged school districts the option to adopt similar teacher carry laws.

Encouraging teachers to carry concealed weapons is a practical answer to ensuring the safety of students, according to supporters, who point out that the state's school resource officers (SROs) are beset by personnel shortages.

In the end, the proposed legislation is a reflection of the complex interactions between the larger demands of Tennessee's educational policy, administrator discretion, and campus safety concerns.