The GOP state lawmaker also stressed that discussing politics “prevents our students from receiving a high-quality public education for careers in the global, high-tech economy.”
“Teachers in violation of this code will be subject to penalties such as probation, suspension, and loss of their teaching licenses,” said the Pennsylvania lawmaker.
Tallman’s proposed “Teacher Code of Ethics” unlikely to get enough support
He is encouraging his colleagues to co-sponsor his legislation. Legal experts believe that his proposal will not receive support in the state’s General Assembly citing the reason that it is unconstitutional. It is an attempt to curtail free speech, which is a violation of the First Amendment.
David Hudson, a professor at the Nashville School of Law in Tennessee and ombudsman for Newseum Institute’s First Amendment Center in Washington, D.C., told The Morning Call, “It runs roughshod over the cardinal principle of academic freedom. In certain classes, political speech and frank discussion is necessary. I mean social studies class, contemporary issues — you need teachers talking about current events.”
