TEACHERS' RIGHT TO PRIVACY

WHEREAS, on November 20, 1969, the California Supreme Court in the case of Morrison versus State Board of Education held that a teacher's life credential could not be revoked unless it could be proven that acts committed in his private life which are grounds for credential revocation can be shown to affect his fitness to teach; and

WHEREAS, the American Federation of Teachers has always opposed interference of school officials with the private lives of teachers:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers opposes any punitive action against teachers for acts committed in their private lives, unless such acts can be shown to affect fitness to teach; and

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers urges its state federations and locals to work for repeal of state laws and local school district regulations which attempt to punish acts committed by teachers in the course of their private lives, unless such acts can be shown to affect fitness to teach.