Hardy: Teacher Carry Law Very Early

Although the law permitting it has been passed, do not expect many teachers to begin carrying concealed handguns in schools this year.

Jackson County Director of Schools Jason Hardy said he does not know of any school districts looking to institute the practice for the upcoming school year. Hardy said teachers interested would need to secure an agreement with the school system director and local law enforcement prior.

“There’s nothing really in policy and in school systems that this is a thing,” Hardy said. “But it is a right with any, anybody that’s a faculty member. If they wanted to pursue that, then they would have that right by law. And (of) course, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it would happen, but they could start the process.”

Hardy said another aspect of the law slowing the process down is the additional training and background checks teachers are required to undergo before they are eligible to carry. He said there are many different things that still have to fall into place before the practice becomes a reality.

“It’s not a quick process, and with it being new, you know, I don’t know where all school systems are at on it,” Hardy said.

Hardy said that although teachers are allowed to work towards becoming eligible as they please, districts are not required to allow them to carry even after they meet all other requirements.

“If one person, whether it’s the sheriff or the director of schools or whoever, if one person doesn’t agree, then it wouldn’t happen,” Hardy said.

Hardy said right now, the conversations seem to be general across the region about the law. The Tennessee School Board Association also continues to help school systems navigate the new waters.