Judge blocks "Facebook law"; Governor adds issue to special session

    A Cole County circuit judge has issued a preliminary injunction that will block a provision of SB 54 from taking effect that would restrict teacher/student contact on social networking sites such as Facebook. The judge said the law “would have a chilling effect” on free speech rights. The law would have prohibited “exclusive” contact between teachers and current or former students 18 or younger. Public communication between students and teachers would still be allowed. The preliminary injunction is in effect until February 20 to allow time for a hearing on whether or not the law should be permanently blocked.

     In the meantime, Governor Nixon announced that he will ask the General Assembly to repeal specific provisions concerning teacher-student communications that were included in Senate Bill 54 during the special session that begins Sept. 6. In addition, Gov. Nixon will seek input from various stakeholders, including parents and classroom teachers.

     "First and foremost, our top concern and priority is and always will be protecting children across Missouri, and making sure students receive the quality education they need and deserve," Gov. Nixon said.  "In a digital world, we must recognize that social media can be an important tool for teaching and learning.  At the same time, we must be vigilant about threats posed to students through the Internet and other means. Because of confusion and concern among educators, students and families over this specific provision of Senate Bill 54, I will ask the General Assembly to repeal that particular section, while preserving other vital protections included in the bill.  In addition, I will be asking for input on this issue from teachers, parents and other stakeholders." 

    Specifically, Gov. Nixon will ask the General Assembly to repeal statute 162.069, sections 1 through 4, which require school districts to adopt by Jan. 1, 2012, a policy on student-teacher communications and which specifically addresses electronic communications between school employees and students.  Under the state constitution, the Governor can add an item to the call for a special session by issuing a proclamation once the session has convened.