Sunday, August 28, 2011

Nixon adds social media communication by teachers to the legislature's special session.

Gov. Jay Nixon issued a news release Friday (Aug. 26) adding another item to the agenda of the legislature's special session that begins Sept. 6.

Nixon added repeal of a provision that critics have charged would block teachers from using social media like Facebook from communicating with their students.

The provision was part of a broader bill dealing with requirements for public schools in dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct by school employees.

"In a digital world, we must recognize that social media can be an important tool for teaching and learning," Nixon was quoted as saying in his office announcement.

Nixon's announcement was issued shortly after a Cole County judge issued an order barring enforcement of the new law.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Jane Cunningham, R-St. Louis County, said restricting use of social media for legitimate communications with students was not the intention of her measure. She was reported to be meeting with education leaders to draft a bill clarifying the issue.

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