Rep. Ed Clere, R-New Albany, filed HB 1016, protections for student journalists, during today’s organization day for the Indiana General Assembly. The bill was co-authored by Rep. Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis.
The synopsis of the bill is as follows:
“Provides freedom of speech and freedom of press protections for grades 7 through 12 and state educational institution student journalists. Requires each school corporation and charter school to adopt a policy concerning student journalist protections. Requires a student media adviser to, each school year, supervise student journalists in grades 7 through 12 in the creation of certain school sponsored media policies. Provides that a public school or school corporation may not suppress school sponsored media unless certain conditions apply. Provides that public schools, school corporations, and state educational institutions are immune from civil liability for any injury resulting from school sponsored media produced by a student journalist, except for acts or omissions that constitute gross negligence or willful, wanton, or intentional misconduct.”
The full bill can be viewed here: HB 1016. First Amendment supporters are encouraged to share the legislation amongst their communities, use the #BeHeard hashtag on social media and contact legislators to advocate for the bill’s approval.
Keep checking IHSPA.net for continued updates about New Voices 2018.
