Login

Register | Forgot Your Password? | Close
ap_graduation.jpg
(AP Photo)

PHOENIX -- Republican lawmakers have introduced a bill that would give Arizona high school seniors the option to recite a loyalty oath before they graduate.

Originally, House Bill 2467 would have made the oath a prerequisite for graduation from any public high school in the state. The Arizona Capitol Times reported the change Tuesday.

"To me it's not a Republican bill, it's not a Democrat bill, it's an American bill," said Rep. Steve Smith of Maricopa, one of the bill's sponsors. "People feel that our high school kids that will be adults should understand their role as an American citizen."

The oath, which would be pledged to the school principal, reads:

"I, _____, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose or evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge these duties; so help me God."

If passed, HB 2467 would take effect starting in the 2013-14 school year.

Aaron Granillo, News Editor

share this story:
facebook

27 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
  • Add A Comment 
  • Abuse
    Barry Margolin wrote...
    Another Government Intrusion
    January 23, 2013 10:36 am
    Another example of the government trying to tell us what we think, Republican or Democrat, stay out of people's personal lives and don't tell us what to think. Steve Smith is a joke.....a first class idiot.
  • Abuse
    OneWonders wrote...
    I felt CottonCandy's
    January 23, 2013 11:08 am
    Oath sounded more Socialist/Communist/Progressives than what a liberal would swear. Mainly because my liberal friends don't follow blindly, they do have brains to be able to have a real debate/discussion and don't just repeat lies someone told them on MSNBC. And so it makes sense that someone on here thinks CottonCandy's was right on.
    Equal Justice, Not Social Justice.
  • Abuse
    wrote...
    All it does
    January 23, 2013 11:51 am
    All this bill is doing is trying to point out how our current President and administration ignore the oath they took to defend and uphold the US Constitution. You can't force this as a requirement for graduation. Besides, you'd be forcing the kids to be as disingenuous as the President.
  • Abuse
    azgal602 wrote...
    "wrote" stated
    January 23, 2013 12:59 pm
    Republicans want to dictate everything we do. Where in the heck has he been for the last four years???? What a stupid statement. Just look around and you will see who wants to dictate to you. Can we please have a test before people can vote???? Pleeeeeeeease................
    azgal602
  • Abuse
    1redcav wrote...
    Criminal
    January 23, 2013 6:35 pm
    illegal invaders can't understand our language, so, how (and why) should they take this oath by their dear leader Oliar?
  • Abuse
    Steve wrote...
    It's wonderful that we teach our kids patriotism
    January 23, 2013 8:54 pm
    because Lord knows we need it in this day and age, but by forcing someone to do this, well that goes against the teachings of patriotism and freedom.
  • Abuse
    fightforjustice wrote...
    Words of a student.
    January 26, 2013 9:03 am
    Instead of just criticizing, how about giving them another solution. I dont agree with MANY of the bill that have been passed through Arizona, but I can see what they are at least trying to do here. SO MANY JOBS HAVE BEEN OUTSOURCED. Having this may somehow encourage students its loyalty and something like a sense of pride for this nation that so many are good at putting down. .

Latest Arizona Stories

Ask About An Advertiser
Ben Franklin Water Cooler

Water Cooler

World Class Arizona

  • Avnet

    World Class People. World Class Company. Here's information on a Fortune 500 company from Arizona.

Voice For A Better Arizona

Most Popular

The Lasso Posts