Do they still teach the First Amendment in government schools? If and when they do, do they teach the students that the First Amendment doesn’t apply to School Board Members in Georgia? Do they tell students that in order to serve on a school board (an elected position) they must first agree to abrogate, or revoke, their First Amendment right of free speech? I wonder if they do.

You see, the School Boards of all 159 counties in Georgia  have, by law, a Code of Ethics that School Board members must abide by.  Wonderful  idea. Everyone is for ethics in government. Can’t have too much ethics!

Well, would it surprise you to know that #7 in that Code of Ethics reads: “Express opinions before votes are cast, but after the board vote, abide by and support all majority decisions of the board”? In other words, you may speak your mind before a vote, but afterwards, if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.

Now, to be sure things run a lot smoother when people are not permitted to speak. Democracy can be so messy!  All those pesky differing opinions. So much better to vote and then button it up. Maybe Congress and our State Legislature should run this way. You know, more “ethical”.

I submit that this is a serious problem.

Suppose the board votes to raise taxes. (I know this would never happen, but please indulge me!) Suppose the vote was 3-2. Suppose one of the “NO” votes is running for re-election. Would you perhaps like a little insight into his stand on the issue? Would you maybe like to know WHY he voted “NO”? Too bad. If he criticizes the tax increase he could be charged with an ethics violation, punishable by a fine.

When one limits the free speech of an elected representative, the free speech of the people they were elected to represent is by extension limited. When one limits the free speech of elected representatives, quality people who value their rights may choose not to serve. Everyone loses. Our Founders had lived under the tyranny of England. They recognized that without the protection of the First Amendment government would seek to take away that right. Apparently, in this case even the First Amendment is no protection for School Board Members in Georgia.

Are they teaching this in government schools?

Pat Thibodeaux

Morganton, GA