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April 26, 2019Jefferson City, MO |
By: AP
Missouri bill aims to protect student free speech but limit it for professors
Critics say a Missouri bill aimed at protecting
student free speech on college campuses would also limit professors' speech.
At issue is a bill by Republican Rep. Dean Dohrman to ban what are known as
"free speech zones" for student expression. It calls for colleges and
universities to adopt free speech policies.
The legislation also warns faculty not to talk about unrelated issues in their
classes. The bill says professors couldn't be punished unless they discuss
topics that are "not reasonably germane" for a substantial portion of class.
Dohrman says that could mean professors risk being fired.
He says the point is to discourage faculty from discussing
issues unrelated to their classes.
But Democratic Rep. Ian Mackey says restricting faculty speech contradicts the
bill's purpose.
