MN SF3998

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

Freedom of speech protections apply regardless of whether school-sponsored media receives school financial support, uses school equipment, or is produced as part of a class.

Schools cannot discipline student journalists or retaliate against student media advisers for exercising First Amendment rights, though student media advisers may still teach professional standards of English and journalism.

Student expression is not protected if it is defamatory, profane, harassing, threatening, invades privacy, violates law, causes material disruption of school activities, or incites imminent lawless action.

Schools cannot impose prior restraint on school-sponsored media except for the unprotected categories listed above, and all school districts and charter schools must adopt and post a student journalist policy consistent with these provisions.