House Bill 36 would grant student journaliststhe right to exercise freedom of speech and freedom of the press. The legislation originally applied toschool-sponsored media at public middle and high schools, as well as institutions of higher education, but the bill was amended this week to remove language about middle and high school students.

The latest text of the bill defines a student journalist as a student enrolled at a public institution of higher education who gathers, compiles, writes, edits, photographs, records, or prepares information for inclusion in school-sponsored student media. All mention of middle and high school students was removed.

The amended bill was voted out of committee 20 to 2, on Feb. 3. There was bipartisan support for the legislation; the no votes were both Republicans. The bill now will move to the full House for a vote.

Patronedby former WDBJ journalist Del. Chris Hurst, D-12th, ofMontgomery, HB 36 also protects advisers working with thestudent journalists.

Hursts bill would allow schooladministrationsto intervene and exercise restraint only in situations of slander, libel, privacy, danger or violations of federal or state law.

Excerpt from:

Bill that would extend freedom of speech to student journalists amended in committee - Fauquier Times