Missouri House passes bill giving student journalists more leeway over publications

The Missouri House has passed a bill giving student journalists more leeway over their publications.

Lawmakers voted 131-12 Tuesday to limit the power of public schools to censor student media, including publications financed by the school. Administrators would still be able to block content that is slanderous, libelous or otherwise breaks laws.

Rep. Elijah Haahr said his bill would give students similar protections to professional journalists. He added that Missouri should make it clear free speech is valued after the state drew national attention for confrontations between University of Missouri faculty and student journalists.

The bill now goes to the Senate.