MetaChat - Turns out

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02 May 2008

Turns out employees of the state of California are required to sign a loyalty oath to "protect and defend the Constitution," which was drafted in the 50s to flush out communists. A CalState-Fullerton professor (and Quaker) was recently fired for refusing to sign it.→[More:]

This is so bizarre to me. I've worked for the UC system and don't recall ever signing anything like that. It's also weird that the CalState system would stick so steadfastly to their guns.

post by: mudpuppie at: 14:44 | 6 comments

Alarming.

posted by grouse 02 May | 15:25

Neither do I, mudpuppie. When I renew my contract I will look for the "Are you a commie?" box.

posted by special-k 02 May | 15:50

yeah, she is badass and gave a very nice, no nonsense interview on one of my podcasts, i can't remember which right now..

posted by By the Grace of God 02 May | 16:19

When I became a VISTA volunteer I had to say that stupid oath. Everyone entering Congress in the US has to say/sign something similar. I said I wouldn't sign/say it and the nice lady processing my paperwork just told me to cross out the parts I didn't agree with and then sign it. I left the part about the Constitution. I'm okay with the Constitution.

posted by jessamyn 02 May | 17:41

Huh, weird. I work for the state of California, and I don't remember anything like that either. I'll have to look through my paperwork to be certain.

posted by kiripin 02 May | 23:50

We take a similar oath when sworn in to the California bar. I agreed with defending the state and federal constitutions, so had no problem with it.

How is the oath inconsistent with being a pacifist? Is it the words "defend" and "enemies"? I have some recollection that the oath used to be more extensive and provocative, and that it's been pared down over the years, but I'll need to double check.

posted by Claudia_SF 03 May | 11:45

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