Bill to extend student journalists' rights moving through ND Legislature

BISMARCK — A bill to further extend the freedom of expression rights of student journalists in the state was passed in the North Dakota Senate on Jan. 27 and is heading to the House for consideration.

Senate Bill 2201, introduced by Sen. David Rust, R-Tioga, would protect student advisers from retaliation and schools and employees from being held liable for students' lawful expressions, and states an expression of free speech made by a student journalist is not an expression of the school's policy.

The bill amends the John Wall New Voices Act that was passed in 2015, which ensures freedom of expression for student journalists in North Dakota public schools and colleges.

The first version of SB 2201 also changed the act to extend to students at private schools, but the amendment was removed by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Read more: http://www.inforum.com/news/4215971-bill-extend-student-journalists-rights-moving-through-nd-legislature