In light of recent legislation permitting teachers to carry weapons in schools, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Superintendent Dr. Marie N. Feagins, Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr., and Interim Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn (C.J.) Davis have reaffirmed their stance on maintaining school safety through trained law enforcement personnel.
In a joint video message, Feagins, Bonner, and Davis emphasized that firearms have no place in classrooms.
“Schools are for learning, and emergency situations should be handled by trained officers,” said Sheriff Bonner.
“We will not allow teachers to carry guns in our schools,” affirmed Superintendent Feagins.
“We are united on this issue,” added interim Chief Davis.
The new law, passed in April 2024, allows a faculty or staff member of a school to carry a concealed handgun on school grounds subject to certain conditions. Authorization from the school principal, superintendent, and chief of the local law enforcement agency is required. On April 30, 2024, the MSCS Board passed a resolution prohibiting MSCS employees from carrying firearms on school grounds.
The resolution states, “The Board does not believe that arming school staff is the most effective approach for Memphis-Shelby County Schools. That is the expectation of the Board that school staff serve first and foremost as trained, focused, and dedicated educators, not law enforcement and/or security officers.”
Superintendent Feagins, Sheriff Bonner, and Chief Davis reiterated that safety remains a top priority for MSCS and the larger community, highlighting the importance of their collaborative efforts.
“We are united in our commitment to work together to ensure our children have a safe and positive learning environment,” said Bonner.
Feagins expressed her gratitude to the law enforcement officials. “On behalf of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, I want to thank Chief Davis and Sheriff Bonner for their ongoing partnership and support in keeping our students and families safe. Thank you also to the community for your commitment and collaboration in moving Memphis forward together.”