Joint Resolution of the Georgia General Assembly

March 26, 1935

TEACHER'S OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.

No. 54.

A RESOLUTION.

Requiring the teachers in the public schools of this State, and other employees, to take an oath of allegiance to the government of this State and of the United States and to support and defend the Constitution of this State and of the United States.

Whereas, in order to perpetuate the principles of free government and preserve the high ideals upon which this Nation was founded and upon which our Constitutions rest, it is necessary that the fundamental principles of patriotism and the ideals of Americanism be inculcated into and cultivated in the minds of our children; and whereas the public-school teaches and other employees of this State wield an influence upon the lives and minds of Georgia children second only to that of their parents; and whereas the State has been and is being flooded with propaganda and literature which seek the destruction of the high principles of government which ought to be perpetuated:

Thereof, be it resolved by the General Assembly of Georgia (the Senate and House of Representatives concurring), that every teacher in the public schools of this State, whether elementary, high school, college or university, and all other employees, of this State or subdivision thereof drawing a weekly, monthly, or yearly salary, shall before entering upon the discharge of their duties, take and subscribe a solemn oath to uphold, support, and defend the Constitution and laws of this State and of the United States, and to refrain from directly or indirectly subscribing to or teaching any theory of government or economics or of social realtions which is inconsistent with the fundamental principles of patriotism and high ideals of Americanism.

Be it further resolved, that the form of such oath shall be prescribed by the State Superintendent of Schools, and the oath of each teacher shall be filed in the office of the Superintendent of Schools of the county or other school system in which such teacher is employed; other employees shall file their oath with the department in which they might be employed, and shall be annually renewed.

Be it further resolved, that no teacher or employee who shall fail or refuse to take and subscribe such oath shall be employeed in any school, college, or university or other office or position of this State, or be paid from the public-school fund or by any other public fund.

Be it further resolved, that any person violating the above and foregoing provisions shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be discharged immediately from his or her position.

Approved March 26, 1935.

Source: Ga. Laws 1935, p. 1305-1306.

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