MN HF1868

Student journalists in grades 6-12 have the right to freedom of speech and freedom of the press in school-sponsored media, including the right to express political viewpoints and determine news, opinion, feature, and advertising content.

Schools must not discipline student journalists or retaliate against student media advisers for exercising First Amendment rights, and may not authorize prior restraint of school-sponsored media except in limited circumstances.

Student expression that is defamatory, profane, harassing, threatening, intimidating, invasive of privacy, violates law, causes material disruption of school activities, or incites lawless action is not protected under this law.

Student media advisers retain the right to teach professional standards of English and journalism to student journalists.

School districts and charter schools must adopt and post a student journalist policy consistent with these provisions, effective for the 2020-2021 school year and later.