With campus shootings becoming more and more frequent, lawmakers and concerned citizens alike are looking for ways to ensure students’ safety. Despite a creative protest with sex toys, the University of Texas approved a new state law to allow guns in the classroom. Now, it looks like Tennessee is following suit.
Lawmakers from the land-locked state just passed a bill that would allow faculty and staff from public colleges and universities to carry guns around campus. However, they did so without Governor Bill Haslam’s signature. According to Time, Haslam said he was not on board with the legislation because it took away the choice for campus leaders to make up their own minds. The bill in question doesn’t allow schools to opt out, something the National Rifle Association is reported to have vehemently supported.
Haslam did say that the law speaks to the concerns of college administrators since it basically leaves the campuses exempt from liability in regard to lawsuits. It also requires schools to inform local law enforcement of who is going to be armed on campus.
Those who do decide to arm themselves while at school will not be able to bring their weapons everywhere. The law prevents carriers from brining the guns into stadiums and gums while a school-sponsored event is going on, Mashablereports. They’re also not allowed in hospitals or offices that provide medical or mental health services, as well as daycare centers and elementary schools on campus. So, there’s that.
