The law, which passed earlier this year and goes into effect next week, would prohibit teachers and students from having private interactions online. The law isn’t specific to Facebook, of course, but it is clearly designed to curb Facebook friendship. Proponents of the law say it’s totally legal and will prevent teachers and students from engaging in hanky panky, which is, you know, weird and totally illegal.
According to the MSTA:
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.
Whatever the well-intentioned justifications for this law, it seems like it might be a bit of an overstep by the state. As the teachers point out there are plenty of legitimate reasons students and teachers might want to link up online. If they do want to get it on they will find another way. [Reuters; Image credit: Shutterstock]
John
Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 11:14 PMHmmm…teachers and students interating on facebook just seems iffy to me, beyond the potential for hanky pany, i think there are solid reasons for a teacher to remain simply as your educator (in a place of authority) and not muddy the waters under the notion that they are your friend.