Proposed bill could allow criminal prosecution for teaching ‘harmful’ materials

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2015/feb/05/proposed-bill-would-turn-teachers-criminals-presen/

Proposed bill could allow criminal prosecution for teaching ‘harmful’ materials
By Associated Press
February 5, 2015, 9:41 a.m

Topeka — Opponents of legislation that would allow Kansas teachers to be criminally charged for exposing children to harmful material say the proposal is overly broad and could land educators in hot water merely for discussing such literature as "Huckleberry Finn."

The measure would delete from state law an exemption from criminal prosecution for K-12 educators regarding presentation of materials "harmful to minors." The bill was discussed during a hearing Wednesday before the Senate Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee, the Topeka Capital-Journal reported.

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He said text in the bill appears to give prosecutors the right to charge principals, teachers or other educators for discussing literature such as "The Red Badge of Courage" or "Huckleberry Finn."

"Senate Bill 56 could criminalize teachers simply for distributing handouts, displaying posters or sharing educational information," added Micah Kubic, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union in Kansas. "Teachers should not be criminalized for doing their jobs."