Q: Is it legal for a TN student to wear a bulletproof vest to school?
I am a high school student in Tennessee and have become increasingly worried about the threat of school shooters and escalating violence, such as fights, at my school. I am considering regularly wearing a bulletproof vest to school as a precautionary measure. I have discussed this idea with my parent, who did not have any concerns, but I am not aware of any specific school or district policies regarding wearing protective gear like bulletproof vests on school grounds. Would it be legal for me to wear a bulletproof vest to school in Tennessee?
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A:
In Tennessee, civilian ownership of body armor is generally legal for non-felons. Tennessee law allows any civilian to purchase and use a bulletproof vest unless that adult has been convicted of a felony. However, there are important considerations regarding where and when it can be worn.
While Tennessee doesn't specifically prohibit wearing body armor on school property (unlike Louisiana, which explicitly bans it on school grounds), Tennessee does make it a Class E felony to use a bulletproof vest while committing most felonies. This means that while technically legal, wearing body armor at school could raise concerns with school administrators and potentially violate school dress code policies.
Your school likely has specific dress code regulations that might address protective gear. I recommend speaking with your school administrators about your safety concerns and asking about their policies regarding protective equipment before wearing a bulletproof vest to school. You might also consider discussing alternative safety measures with school counselors or security personnel who can address your worries about violence in a way that complies with school policies.
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