Greeneville, TN – Josh Arrowood, a sixth-grade world history teacher at South Greene Middle School, is no stranger to firearms. A 15-year handgun permit holder, he routinely carries his .22-caliber handgun around his rural Tennessee community, including church and his local grocery store. However, despite recent state legislation that would allow him to carry his firearm to school under strict conditions, Arrowood has decided against bringing his gun into the classroom this year, citing concerns over personal liability and ambivalence from local education leaders.
The new state law, enacted earlier this spring, aims to provide an additional layer of security in schools by potentially arming teachers like Arrowood. However, the law includes strict requirements such as a mental health evaluation, mandated training, and agreements from school and local law enforcement authorities. Despite these measures, the uptake among educators and school districts appears minimal as the new academic year begins.
Arrowood, reflecting on his own school experiences during the Columbine High School massacre, understands the impulse to increase security. “I remember kids bringing bats to school to defend themselves,” he said. “Having a gun could give teachers a fighting chance against an armed intruder.” Nonetheless, the liability clauses in the new legislation, which place sole responsibility on teachers for any incidents involving their firearm, have made him and many others hesitant.
The stipulation that educators would bear sole liability for any mishaps, including accidental discharges or failures in crisis situations, appears to be a significant deterrent. Additionally, schools and law enforcement agencies are absolved of any financial responsibility under these circumstances, further compounding educators’ concerns.
As Tennessee grapples with how to best protect its students, the conversation surrounding guns in schools continues to be divisive. The law does not require districts to publicly disclose if they are implementing the armed teacher policy, which adds a layer of secrecy to the already complex issue. This confidentiality is designed to keep potential attackers uncertain but also leaves parents and teachers in the dark about who might be carrying a weapon on school premises.
The backlash and discussions around the law highlight a broader national debate on the presence of guns in schools and the appropriate measures to ensure student safety. Following a spate of school shootings, including the tragic incident at Sandy Hook Elementary and the recent attack at Nashville’s Covenant School, the urgency of this debate has only intensified.
Educational leaders, especially in Tennessee’s urban areas, have been vocal in their opposition to arming educators. Shelby County’s stance was made clear when officials declared their schools would not permit teachers to carry firearms. This sentiment is echoed in other parts of the state, where the presence of armed school resource officers (SROs) is deemed sufficient.
Former Republican representative David Byrd, who backed earlier legislation for arming school staff in rural counties and is a retired school principal, still supports the concept but acknowledges the complexity and mixed reception of the idea. “It’s a tough sell, especially now,” Byrd admitted. The resistance isn’t just coming from educational circles but also involves law enforcement professionals concerned about the potential for increased gun-related incidents at schools.
Despite these reservations, proponents like Rep. Ryan Williams, who pushed for the bill, argue that in districts where SROs are stretched thin, having trained, armed staff could provide a critical line of defense. “It’s about not just preparing for the possibility but ensuring an immediate response capability,” Williams said.
Jeff Bledsoe, executive director of the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association, noted, “Local communities need to make their own decisions based on their unique needs and situations. As such, the law allows significant local control, but with that comes a need for careful consideration and potential reluctance from school administrators.”
As the law takes its early steps, it remains to be seen how many districts will opt to introduce armed staff into their schools. For now, teachers like Arrowood continue to weigh the risks and responsibilities, balancing personal safety with the broader implications of their choices for the communities they serve. The overarching goal remains clear: ensuring the safety and well-being of every student who walks through the doors of Tennessee’s schools.