Missouri repeals social media ban aimed at online student teacher interaction

Missouri repealed its recently enacted student-teacher social media ban which prohibited students and teachers from interacting with each other online. I wrote about the law on August 2, 2011 and at the time stated:

"there is a tremendous lack of understanding regarding social media by elected officials across the country. Does Missouri have a law that bans teachers and students from being able to join the same Churches, Mosques, and Synagogues? Does Missouri have a law that bans teachers from interacting with students in activities outside of the school environment?...This new law is an over-reaction and will most likely soon be challenged and eventually overturned."

Missouri did the right thing in repealing the law because it not only infringed on First Amendment rights but it would also be very difficult if not impossible to enforce. When enacting new legislation lawmakers must understand exactly how the law works and how it may affect constitutional rights.

To learn more about these issues you may contact me at www.shearlaw.com.

Copyright 2011 by the Law Office of Bradley S. Shear, LLC. All rights reserved.

Missouri Law Bans Social Media Contact Between Teachers and Students

Missouri's new social media law was created to protect students from sexual misconduct by teachers. The law bans direct contact between educators and students on social media and is also known as the "Amy Hestir Student Protection Act".

Section 160.069 of the new law prohibits teachers in elementary, middle or high schools from establishing, maintaining or using a work-related website unless it is available to school administrators and a child's legal guardian. At first glance the bill sounds like a good idea. Unfortunately, upon further review it will create many unanticipated problems. It is reminiscent of Cleveland's recent effort to ban Flash Mobs and/or Tweet Ups. Great intentions but bad law.

There is a tremendous lack of understanding regarding social media by elected officials across the country. Does Missouri have a law that bans teachers and students from being able to join the same Churches, Mosques, and Synagogues? Does Missouri have a law that bans teachers from interacting with students in activities outside of the school environment?

If a teacher is not able to interact with a student privately online why should a teacher be able to interact with a student privately in the real world? This new law is an over-reaction and will most likely soon be challenged and eventually overturned.

To learn more about these issues you may contact me at www.shearlaw.com.

Copyright 2011 by the Law Office of Bradley S. Shear, LLC. All rights reserved.