TALLAHASSEE, Fla. \u2014 Florida teachers could soon have to raise their right hands and take an oath, swearing to uphold the Constitution, teach objectively, and serve as positive role models. That\u2019s under new legislation filed by Representative Tom Fabricio (R-Miami Lakes). <\/p>\n
The proposal<\/a>, known as HB 147<\/a>, would require anyone holding a Florida teaching certificate to take the oath as a prerequisite. Fabricio, an attorney by trade, says the idea came from his own research and his experience as both a lawyer and a parent. <\/p>\n WATCH: Lawmaker says goal of bill is to ‘elevate’ teachers, not punish <\/p>\n Florida lawmaker pushes bill that would require teachers take ‘oath’<\/p>\n \u201cThey’re holding our children and they’re teaching our children,\u201d Fabricio said. \u201cAnd just like I have to keep my clients\u2019 secrets and I have to keep my clients\u2019 money and not steal it, I think they should teach our children with that same type of oath, that same putting their hand up.\u201d <\/p>\n Under the bill, teachers would pledge to defend the U.S. and Florida Constitutions, uphold \u201cthe highest standards of academic integrity,\u201d and serve as \u201cpositive role models in conduct and character.\u201d Fabricio says the goal is to \u201celevate\u201d educators, not punish them. <\/p>\n \u201cThis bill didn’t come to me from the governor. It didn’t come to me from the Department of Education,\u201d he said. \u201cIt came to me from being a parent, from doing my own independent reading, and from believing that we absolutely should treat teachers like professionals, which they are.\u201d<\/p>\n Proposed Oath Language (HB 147):<\/p>\n \u201cI do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and the Constitution and Government of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified for employment as a classroom teacher in this state; that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of a classroom teacher in a professional, independent, objective, and nonpartisan manner; that I will uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and professional ethics; that I will foster a respectful learning environment for all students, which promotes critical thinking, civic responsibility, and lifelong learning; and that I will serve as a positive role model in both conduct and character, so help me God.\u201d<\/p>\n Existing Oaths and Ethics Codes<\/p>\n Critics argue that Florida educators already take multiple oaths and follow rigorous professional standards under state law. Among them:<\/p>\n Florida Statute 1012.56<\/a> \u2013 Requires good moral character for educator certification.<\/p>\n Florida Statute 876.05<\/a> \u2013 Mandates all public employees take an oath to uphold the U.S. and Florida Constitutions.<\/p>\n Rule 6A-10.081<\/a>, Florida Administrative Code \u2013 Establishes the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession in Florida, governing ethics, fairness, and responsibility to students.<\/p>\n Legal Experts Raise Red Flags<\/p>\n Constitutional attorney John Phillips says parts of the bill cross a constitutional line, potentially restricting free speech and policing off-duty behavior. <\/p>\n \u201cSo the first half of it, I don’t have a problem with. It gets into the second half\u2026\u201d Phillips said.\u201d Government cannot intervene into the subjective determination of somebody being a role model, or of professional ethics outside the classroom.\u201d <\/p>\n Phillips warned the bill could open the door for selective enforcement and costly lawsuits, arguing teachers already face heavy scrutiny. He also says it\u2019s less objective than what law enforcement swear to in their oaths<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cTeachers generally are paid less than law enforcement, and we seem to be expecting more from them,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen they\u2019re off duty and going after political speech, you can\u2019t have it both ways.\u201d<\/p>\n