2009 Senate Bill 645

Ban censorship of student publications

Introduced in the Senate

June 17, 2009

Introduced by Sen. Michael Switalski (D-10)

To prohibit public school officials from imposing prior restraint (censorship) on a student publication unless the content is obscene, defamatory, constitutes advertising for a product illegal for minors, or represents a clear and present danger (based on specific facts) of an unlawful act or a school disruption. The bill also would require schools to appoint a faculty advisor to student publications, prohibit disciplining a faculty advisor for refusing to censor, and provide civil immunity to school board members, administrators, and faculty advisors for any expression made by a student in the publication.

Referred to the Committee on Education