A class where the teacher wears a pistol? There is a lot of controversy over this bill passed in the United States.

A bill allowing teachers to carry handguns on school grounds has been passed in the U.S. state of Tennessee. This bill was proposed to ensure the safety of teachers and students following a series of school shootings, but concerns are also raised that it could lead to accidental shootings.

According to Reuters on the 23rd (local time), the Tennessee House of Representatives approved a bill allowing teachers to carry guns on school grounds with 68 votes in favor and 28 against. Since it was already passed by the Senate earlier this month, it will take effect once Republican Governor Bill Lee signs it.

However, just because the bill is passed, it does not mean that all teachers will be able to possess guns on school grounds. After completing a background check and completing 40 hours of training, you must obtain permission and written approval from the school principal and local law enforcement officials. The costs of completing training and purchasing firearms are borne by the individual. Additionally, guns cannot be brought into school events held in large spaces where many people gather, such as playgrounds, gymnasiums, and auditoriums. There is also a bylaw that prohibits schools from disclosing the identity of staff members with guns to parents or other teachers.

The proposal for this bill follows a series of school shooting incidents in the United States. In Tennessee, three children and three staff members were killed in a shooting incident at Covenant School, a private Christian elementary school in Nashville, that occurred in March last year. The culprit at the time was a 28-year-old female graduate student, and she was killed during a fight with the police.

Republicans and conservatives who actively supported the bill believed that armed teachers would have the effect of deterring “potential mass shooters.” Republican Representative Ryan Williams, who introduced the bill, said, “The entire state is experiencing difficulties due to shooting incidents,” and “This bill is intended to ensure deterrence.”

On the other hand, some point out that having guns on campus can stimulate criminals and lead to accidental shootings. “This is a terrible day for Tennessee, our children, our teachers and our communities,” Democratic state Rep. Justin Pearson wrote on social media. “Instead of protecting our children, they have gone back to protecting their guns.”

Sean Breist, a spokesman for Metro Nashville Public Schools, also said, “We believe it is best and safest for only authorized law enforcement officers to carry firearms on school grounds.”

There is also considerable opposition from parents. A mother at Covenant School submitted a petition with 5,300 signatures on the 22nd, asking lawmakers to repeal the bill. Melissa Alexander, one of the parents who signed the petition, said, “Please listen to the stories of parents whose children survived the shooting incident,” adding, “The children at the time survived thanks to the teacher who evacuated the children without provoking the shooter. “Just think what would have happened if the teacher had confronted the shooter with more firepower,” she said.