Accusing Tennessee Republicans of being “extremists,” Vice President Kamala Harris slammed them this week for approving a law that permits public school teachers to carry weapons in the classroom as long as they fulfill requirements, including receiving administrator clearance and completing firearm training.
After visiting the Volunteer State last year to advocate for gun control, Harris urged lawmakers to enact “red flag legislation” and a “ban on assault weapons.”
Harris wrote on X, “Arming teachers is not the answer.” “We are aware of what policies—universal background checks, red flag legislation, safe storage, and a ban on assault weapons—really work. It is a disgrace to the radicals in the Tennessee legislature for not taking action to keep our kids safe.
The GOP-backed law had earlier cleared the Senate 27–5, and on Tuesday, amid boisterous demonstrations outside the Nashville Capitol, it passed the Tennessee House 68–28. The measure is currently on Republican Governor Lee’s desk, and he has ten days to sign it or veto it, after which it will become law automatically.
If approved, the bill would permit teachers and other school staff members to carry a concealed weapon, provided they possess an enhanced gun carry license, have successfully cleared a background investigation, have received mental health certification from a medical expert, and have completed 40 hours of training. Requests for teachers to carry weapons would also require approval from the school’s administrator and the local school board.
Proponents of the proposal assert that it will contribute to school safety, particularly in rural regions where schools may not have the resources to hire full-time security officers.
“Madam Vice President, have you read the legislation? Rep. Jason Zachary (R-Knoxville) responded to Harris on X, saying, “It is permissive, enabling a teacher to carry if the principal, sheriff, and the head of school agrees to it. Requires, among other things, enhanced carry permission, a mental health exam, and 40 hours of tactical instruction.”
“Since 2016, Tennessee’s troubled areas have allowed teachers to carry out their duties without any issues. We will do all in our power to safeguard kids in rural areas,” he continued. “Please concentrate on the important domestic issues at hand, such as unrestricted immigration, skyrocketing inflation, growing energy prices, and misguided foreign policy. We will take care of TN.”
