Following a controversial bill’s passage, a covenant school mom calls for the ousting of bill sponsors, citing safety concerns
A Covenant School mother, Melissa Alexander, is rallying voters to remove from office the sponsors of a contentious Tennessee bill that would permit teachers to carry firearms in schools. This bill has recently passed the state legislature and is now pending Governor Bill Lee’s signature.
“This election is our turn,” Alexander proclaimed on Instagram. “The supermajority is dangerous for TN, and we need more moderate candidates in office. Period.” Her call for action follows the bill’s approval, which she believes could endanger students and staff by introducing more guns into educational environments.
The bill, championed by Republican legislators Rep. Ryan Williams and Sen. Paul Bailey, aims to bolster security in rural schools lacking sufficient school resource officers. Despite impending approval from Governor Lee, who has never vetoed similar legislation, the proposal has faced significant opposition.
Rep. Williams defended the bill, asserting, “What you’re doing is you’re creating a deterrent.” He highlighted the ongoing challenges with shootings across the state as a primary reason for the legislation. Under the bill, any teacher or staff member opting to carry a weapon would need to undergo 40 hours of training and pass a background check.
Sen. Bailey addressed concerns about the bill, emphasizing, “This bill does not require any teacher in the state to carry a gun while working.” He accused critics of spreading misinformation about the legislation’s intentions and requirements.
The bill’s passage sparked protests at the Tennessee state capitol, with opponents chanting, “Vote them out!” Nashville students also took to the capitol steps, delivering speeches that underscored the potential dangers of introducing firearms into school settings. They argued that the presence of weapons could pose risks to both students who might gain access to them and the teachers tasked with carrying them.
Governor Lee has yet to indicate when he will sign the bill into law. Meanwhile, the debate continues as community members and safety advocates like Alexander press for reconsideration of the measure, hoping to shift the balance in upcoming elections.
