Today the Alabama Senate voted to override Governor Riley’s veto of SJR9 pertaining to the teacher code of ethics. See the press release from the Governor’s office below.

 

OFFICE OF GOVERNOR BOB RILEY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2010

 

Alabama Senate Votes to Reject Educator Ethics… Again

Gov. Riley says veto override ‘should be an outrage to all teachers and parents”

 

MONTGOMERY – Alabama Senate today voted once again to reject an ethics code for educators that was developed by teachers and approved by the State Board of Education.  

 

As one of its first acts during the 2010 session, the Legislature passed a resolution upholding the Legislative Council’s rejection of the Educator Code of Ethics. On Tuesday, Governor Riley vetoed that resolution and called on the lawmakers to stand up for educator ethics even though it might not please the powerful special interests.

 

Today’s vote to override that veto, Governor Riley said, is a vote against the common desire of teachers, administrators and parents to bring more accountability to Alabama schools.

 

“The Senate’s vote should be an outrage to all teachers and parents who have worked hard to raise the standards for Alabama’s education system,” Governor Riley said. “This Code of Ethics was written by teachers for teachers because they wanted to set a standard of ethical behavior for their profession. If Alabama lawmakers would just listen to the people instead of the powerful special interests, they’d know that the people want more accountability, not less.

 

“It’s now up to the House of Representatives. I call on them to honor teachers in this state by setting high standards of ethical behavior for our schools. All those who favor accountability in education will be watching to see who votes for teachers and who votes to please the special interests.”

 

The State Board of Education unanimously adopted the Educator Code of Ethics in 2005 and it has been used by school systems as part of their teacher training ever since. After being in effect for four years as policy without a single complaint from a teacher, a principal or the Alabama Education Association, the State Board of Education voted 8-0 in July 2009 to add the ethics code to the state administrative code.

 

Some of the standards in the ethics code are:

• Educators should not falsify records or reports

• Educators should maintain a professional relationship with students

• Educators should not use profanity at school

• Educators should handle school money honestly and responsibly, and

• Educators should not use alcohol or tobacco at school or at school-related functions in the presence of students.

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For more information, contact the Governor’s Press Office at 334-242-7150.

Filed under: Legislature