MN SF1562

Grants student journalists in grades 7-12 the right to freedom of speech and press in school-sponsored media regardless of financial support, equipment use, or classroom relationship.

Prohibits prior restraint of school-sponsored media except for content that is libelous, slanderous, invades privacy, violates law, or creates clear and present danger of unlawful acts or material disruption of school activities.

Allows school districts to limit student expression that is profane, harassing, threatening, or intimidating through adopted student journalist policies that include reasonable time, place, and manner provisions.

Extends identical speech and press protections to student journalists at postsecondary institutions under supervision of the state board of higher education, with similar exceptions for unprotected expression.

Effective for the 2016-2017 school year and thereafter for both secondary and postsecondary student journalists.