The controversial issue of arming educators in Tennessee has met formidable opposition from Knox County's Board of Education, which is preparing to consider two resolutions against the recently signed bill that would allow teachers to carry guns in schools. According to WATE, the board, which encompasses members from both ends of the political spectrum, has arranged a meeting on May 9 to deliberate on these resolutions that aim to keep guns solely in the hands of trained law enforcement officers within educational institutions.
The legislation, which Governor Bill Lee endorsed on April 26, has sparked a heated discussion in the community and beyond, particularly addressed by two resolutions, sponsored individually by Democrat Katherine Bike and Republican Kristi Kristy, both expressing concern about the potential risks involved with the presence of firearms on premise. While the board seems to be in concert about rejecting the idea of armed teachers within the sanctum of learning, the nuances of their respective resolutions differ considerably in their articulation and focus.
According to the details published by WVLT, Bike’s resolution questions the effectiveness of armed teachers in enhancing school safety and goes further to argue that it could actually counteract the intended objective by creating an unsettling environment that could detract from student’s education, while Kristy's resolution stresses the adequacy of the present security measures, which already include certified School Security Officers and School Resource Officers visibly armed and prepared to address security concerns.
Knox News reported that the resolutions are reflective of a shared goal of prioritizing student safety and advocating for policies that focus on mental health resources and conflict resolution, with Kristi Kristy recognizing the police agencies as "heroes" who are suitably equipped to handle school security and Katherine Bike urging the district to focus on prevention and wellbeing, instead of introducing more guns into the mix. Should these resolutions pass, Knox County Schools will be following in the footsteps of Oak Ridge Schools and Anderson County Schools, both of which have decided not to permit teachers to carry firearms in schools.
Despite the different perspectives and language of the resolutions, they both underscore a common understanding that the presence and expertise of certified law enforcement personnel currently patrolling school corridors are a more viable option than arming civilians. The resolutions have no binding power, but they do carry symbolic influence and may guide Superintendent Jon Rysewyk's future actions, aligning with his previously voiced opinion against the need for armed teachers due to sufficient existing security measures provided by law enforcement.
