Establishes the "Cronkite New Voices Act."
By enacting HB1668, Missouri will align its educational policies with an increased commitment to student rights. The bill empowers students and provides them the autonomy to determine what content is deemed newsworthy, further fostering a culture of journalistic integrity and freedom in educational environments. Additionally, the legislation requires school districts to create a written policy that supports these rights, ensuring that students are informed and protected under this new framework.
House Bill 1668, also known as the 'Cronkite New Voices Act', is aimed at enhancing the protections for student journalists within public high schools and institutions of higher education in Missouri. The bill establishes a framework that guarantees the freedom of expression and the press for student journalists. It delineates the responsibilities of student journalists as they gather and prepare content for school-sponsored media, asserting their right to express political opinions and controversial subject matter without censorship from school authorities, unless specific legal violations occur.
Although supporters of HB1668 argue that the bill is a necessary step towards protecting student journalists and fostering a more robust educational environment, there is concern among some stakeholders about potential disruptions this could cause. Critics worry that these rights may lead to the publication of inappropriate or disruptive content, potentially undermining a supportive educational atmosphere. Balancing the rights granted to students with the need for maintaining orderly school environments is expected to be a point of contention as the bill progresses through the legislative process.