(Missouri State Teachers Association news release)
On behalf of our members, MSTA has requested the Circuit Court of Cole County determine the constitutionality of the social media portion of a new state law.
Senate Bill 54, also known as the Amy Hestir Student Protection Act, has several provisions that relate to student safety. MSTA opposes one provision that would inhibit educators’ ability to communicate with students via text messaging and social media.
MSTA believes the bill signed into law by Gov. Jay Nixon in July infringes on educators’ first amendment rights of free speech, association and religion. MSTA is asking the court to keep that section of law from being implemented until the constitutionality can be determined.
"Many of our members are concerned about the unintended consequences of this law, including their ability to monitor their own children's online activities," said MSTA Legal Counsel, Gail McCray. "It's vague and more importantly, we believe it violates the constitutional rights of educators."
The bill is scheduled to take effect Aug. 28.
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