There is no question that the United States has an unprecedented amount of mass school violence. In 2024 alone, there were over 300 school shooting incidents. To combat this problem, Tennessee has recently enacted a new law that significantly increases the punishments when a student or employee is found guilty of threats of mass violence in schools.

Unfortunately, this new law has led to a massive surge in arrests and student expulsions, many of which were initiated by misunderstandings or rumors. In fact, two families in East Tennessee have filed federal lawsuits against their school district, stating the controversial state law violates the students' rights.

These cases highlight the unintended consequences of well-intentioned legislation, as well as the critical need for legal representation to avoid unnecessary, life-altering punishments. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or schedule a consultation online.

Mass Violence Law Has Major Flaws

Two alarming incidents have brought this issue to the forefront. In the first, an 11-year-old autistic student was arrested at a restaurant after allegedly saying “Yeah” when asked if he was going to shoot up the school. The second incident involved a 13-year-old student with disabilities who was handcuffed for jokingly saying his backpack would “blow up” despite it containing only a stuffed animal.

These cases are part of a larger pattern where students, particularly students of color and those with disabilities, are being disproportionately affected by the state's strict enforcement of this law.

The lawsuits argue that school officials violated the student's rights by calling the police after such innocuous interactions. They believe the cases not only violate the student's First Amendment rights but they also failed to follow proper procedures for students receiving special education services and overly impacted Black and disabled students.

Moreover, these cases underscore a critical issue in the intersection of disability rights and school discipline. Disability rights advocates have raised concerns about the law's narrow exception for students with intellectual disabilities, which fails to address other disabilities affecting communication or behavior.

How the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team Can Help

When misunderstandings or exaggerations of facts lead to severe consequences, the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can help. Our team is highly knowledgeable in special education law and student disciplinary rights. We will investigate and challenge any patterns of discriminatory enforcement of this law and work tirelessly to provide the best possible outcome for your case. Additionally, when necessary, our team will provide robust litigation representation to protect your child's rights and seek justice on their behalf.

If your child or someone you know is being affected by this new law, they need a strong defense. Call the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or schedule a consultation online.