The Alabama Republican Party

Democrat Legislators caved to the powerful special interest group that is a major donor to their party - and effectively killed the proposed teachers Code of Ethics.

The Code, which was written by teachers for teachers, and was approved by the State Board of Education, set ethical standards for conduct by educators. However, the AEA instructed Democrats to block the measure, calling some of the standards "vague" and "controversial."

Among the so-called "controversial" standards are items that say teachers should not falsify records or reports, should maintain a professional relationship with students, should not use profanity, should handle school money honestly and responsibly, and should not use alcohol or tobacco at school or at school-related functions in the presence of students.

Rep. Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn), Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party called the Democrats to task over their williingness to bow to special interest groups, but their reluctance to pass a measure that will protect students and ensure the integrity of the teaching profession.

"The Democrats have again taken their marching orders directly from Paul Hubbert and the AEA, without giving one thought to the fact that there are people in education who actually want the Code. Most teachers want a Code of Ethics with consequences, and they want it because they see that there are a few bad apples that tarnish the reputation of their profession.  However, educators can not do anything about weeding out the bad teachers because there is no enforceable code," Hubbard stated.