Loyalty Oaths and Academic Witch Hunts

In New York’s public schools, colleges, and universities, teachers and professors, at the time of their hire, are required to sign the following statement: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America, the constitution of the State of New York, and that I will fully discharge, according to the best of my ability, the duties of the position . . . . . (title of position and name or affiliation of school college, university or institution to be here inserted), to which I am now assigned” (McKinney’s Consolidated Laws: Education 16, 81).

This loyalty oath is similar to what most states, including New Jersey, demand as a condition for employment. It would be interesting to poll current educators to find out how many actually remember signing this pledge and what reservations, if any, they may have had. More than likely, the opportunity to receive a position outweighed any reluctance to sign on the dotted line. The current