FLORIDA, Fla. – Under a proposal filed Friday by Jacksonville Sen. Clay Yarborough, state college and university administrators and instructors would have to take an oath to the nation and Florida.
The measure (SB 430) also calls for public school administrators and instructional personnel, including prekindergarten instructors, to perform a similar oath.
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The oaths require the individual to pledge to serve as a positive role model, work in a “professional, independent, objective, and nonpartisan manner,” and “foster a respectful learning environment for all students which promotes critical thinking, civic responsibility, and lifelong learning.”
Educational workers also would have to affirm that they are qualified for employment in the state.
The measure was filed for consideration during the 2026 legislative session that begins Jan. 13.
Rep. Tom Fabricio, R-Miami Lakes, also has filed a measure (HB 147) that would require public school teachers to make a similar oath.
Fabricio has equated his proposal with oaths taken by lawyers, doctors, and public officials.
It reads:
“I 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.”
If passed, the bills would take effect on July 1, 2026.