North Dakota introduces legislation
to protect student expression

With North Dakota’s introduction of a freedom of expression bill Jan. 19, student journalists in other states might want to know how to work on legislation in their states.

The John Wall New Voices Act is designed to protect student First Amendment rights both public high schools and public and private colleges.

Seven states have passed legislation protecting student expression at the scholastic levels, and Illinois protects college-level speech.

Students or advisers interested in obtaining materials to consider working on legislation can check these resources:

• SPLC model legislation to protect student free expression rights
• SPLC map and model guidelines for legislation
• JEA/SPRC Blueprint for state legislation