IL HB5902

Student journalists at public high schools have the right to freedom of speech and press in school-sponsored media, regardless of school funding or facilities used.

Student journalists are responsible for determining news, opinion, feature, and advertising content in school-sponsored media, subject to exceptions outlined in the act.

School officials cannot prevent publication of student media (prior restraint) except when content violates specific restrictions: libelous, slanderous, obscene material; unwarranted privacy invasion; violations of federal or state law; or incitement to unlawful acts or material school disruption.

School officials bear the burden of proving justification without undue delay before limiting student expression under this act.

School districts, employees, and officials cannot be held liable for student expression made in exercise of free speech rights, except in cases of willful or wanton misconduct.