Establishes the "Cronkite New Voices Act" to protect the freedom of press in school-sponsored media
Impact
The act mandates that school districts establish written policies governing the press and expression rights of students. These policies should stipulate reasonable regulations concerning the time, place, and manner of student expression, while also allowing the school administration to impose limitations related to obscenity, harassment, and other specific content restrictions. However, any limit must not infringe upon the fundamental right to expression, therefore balancing student reporters' independence with the school's responsibility to maintain an appropriate educational environment.
Overall
If enacted, SB258 would codify protections for student journalists in Missouri, positioning the state as a leader in advocating for comprehensive free press rights for students. This aligns with broader national movements aimed at fostering youth engagement in journalism, supporting educational initiatives that underline the importance of press freedoms as pivotal to a democratic society.
Summary
Senate Bill 258, commonly referred to as the "Cronkite New Voices Act," seeks to enhance and protect the freedom of press for student journalists engaging with school-sponsored media at both public high schools and institutions of higher education in Missouri. The bill affirms that student journalists are entitled to exercise freedom of speech and press rights, allowing them to report on political and controversial issues without censorship. This legislative measure aims to create an environment where student media can flourish and operate without undue interference.
Contention
As with similar legislation, SB258 is likely to spur debate over the limits of student expression versus administrative oversight. Proponents argue that empowering student journalists promotes critical skills in communication and civic engagement, aligning with First Amendment principles. Critics may raise concerns about potential abuses of student reporting or the spread of misinformation, questioning whether students should be shielded from accountability regarding the content they produce.
Establishes the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, which provides procedures for dismissal of causes of action based on public expression in public proceedings or on matters of public concern
Establishes the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, which provides procedures for dismissal of causes of action based on public expression in public proceedings or on matters of public concern
Establishes the "Parents' Bill of Rights" to protect and promote the rights of parents to participate in and direct the education of their child and to know what is being taught in their child's public school
Establishes the "Media Literacy and Critical Thinking" pilot program requiring DESE to select 5-7 school districts to address the components of media literacy during the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years
Establishes the "Media Literacy and Critical Thinking" pilot program requiring DESE to select 5-7 school districts to address the components of media literacy during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years
A resolution recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2024.
Recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in countering the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2024.
A resolution recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2023.
Responding to growing threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world, reaffirming the centrality of a free and independent press to the health of democracy, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance on World Press Freedom Day.