Atlanta Daily World

The GEA Speaks Out

The vigor and forthrightness in which the Georgia Educational Association of white teachers expressed themselves by resolution and otherwise, regarding the abolition of the public school system carry much significance at this particular period when so much is being said to that end. In addition to seeking additional time in which to study the loyalty oath, the teachers went on record as almost a unit, in fighting against the ending of the public system of education.

Even the address of the governor did not quell the opposition to abolish the public school system. The voice vote on the loyalty oath study was unanimous. A few faint murmurs of "no" were heard on the vote to fight against the amendment.

A discussion arose over the amendment, in which Delegate M. L. Powell asked the teachers to vote it down because, he said, "If we vote to fight this amendment we will be saying to the Supreme Court, in effect, make your decision and we will abide by whatever it is."

Rankin Anderson, former GEA president and superintendent of Polk County Schools, spoke for the resolution.

He declared that he will "never agree to abolish public schools under any conditions, and I ask the legislature to find another way to preserve our southern customs." He added.

"Asking a school teacher to give up the public schools, is just like asking a preacher to abolish his church."

Two things are clear—in the heated opposition on the part of the educators relative to the ending of the public school system, the teachers showed themselves decidedly against the measure.

This added up to the loyalty oath and the failure to get a positive reaction to the question of salary raises, the amendment for the ending of the public school system to be voted on this year, lies in grave peril.

The teachers are hereby commended for their positive stand to preserve our educational standards, which it took so long to bring up to the present stage.

The stand taken by them was in keeping with the spirit of growing tolerance and the much needed sanity to "hold fast to that which is good."

If this attitude is carried over into the campaign, the candor and courage of the teachers will assuredly receive the hearty support of every citizen desiring to maintain our given standards in the public school issue.