Submission by Kathleen Marquardt, American Policy Center
In places like New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and California, law-abiding citizens are often forced to jump through hoops just to obtain handgun licenses—if they are even available. Meanwhile, criminals, the mentally ill, and illegal aliens frequently carry or even brandish weapons without restriction. Who feels safe under those circumstances?
When I was growing up, it wasn’t unusual to see hunting rifles displayed in the back windows of pickup trucks parked at schools. Students would hunt on their way home, and yet, school shootings were unheard of. Times have changed.
Tennessee lawmakers have recognized a stark reality: education, when done correctly, is a safety measure. Our society is becoming more dangerous, and we must find ways to protect ourselves and our families. Refusing to own a gun is not “sensible”; it is ignoring reality. Cultural Marxists understand why the Second Amendment exists—and they fear its implications.
This is not about arming children. As News 5 in Nashville reported, Tennessee saw 158 unintentional shootings by children between 2015 and 2023, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed that firearm-related deaths involving children in the state have been significantly higher than the national average in recent years.
Both the Tennessee Department of Education and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security support the new law mandating age-appropriate firearm safety education for all public and charter school students, grades K–12, starting with the 2025–2026 school year. Tennessee is the first state to implement such a requirement.
Key Aspects of the Law
- Mandatory for all students: Training is required annually for all students, kindergarten through 12th grade.
- Age-appropriate content: Younger students learn the basics, such as distinguishing between real and toy guns. Older students receive more detailed instruction on safe handling, identification, and responsible storage.
- Focus on safety rules: Core training centers on the rule: Stop, Don’t Touch, Leave the Area, Tell an Adult.
- Politically neutral: The curriculum avoids discussions of gun rights or the Second Amendment.
- No opt-out: Parents cannot remove their children from the required instruction.
Instruction Details
- K–5th grade: Identifying real vs. toy guns, learning gun parts, and memorizing the safety rule.
- 6th–12th grade: Expanded lessons on firearm identification, safe handling, and secure storage of firearms and ammunition.
- Delivery methods: Training may include videos, online content, and guest presentations from community partners such as law enforcement.
Why This Matters
The “no opt-out” clause will likely spark debate. Still, common sense dictates that familiarity with tools—whether a chainsaw, an ax, or a firearm—creates awareness of both benefits and dangers. Lessons learned early in life are the ones that last.
Thanks to policies of recent administrations, America has become more dangerous than it has been in over a century. By allowing illegal gangs, drug dealers, and violent criminals to thrive, our communities have been put at risk. While there is no simple solution, teaching children to respect firearms and understand their safe use is one step toward protecting future generations.
No, I don’t want my children or grandchildren to ever face armed criminals. But I want to know they are prepared—ready to protect themselves and their loved ones if, God forbid, the moment ever comes.
