By Judah Breitbach
Washington State Senate Bill 5064 passed through the Senate on Friday, March 3, and is currently sitting in the house.
If the legislation were to pass into law, it would limit the censorship of student media by school administration via prior review.
“Opportunities to practice journalism in school provide an incredible learning experience for young people to learn more about the issues that are important to them and increase the awareness of their peers,” said Fain, who serves as Senate Majority Floor Leader, in a press release. “Now more than ever some online outlets intentionally blur the lines between real reporting and fake news. We must ensure students have necessary backing to independently and responsibly practice their craft.”
The issue is a hot one these days under the current and frequent allegations from the Trump administration, as well as others, of false news and a conspiring media. Students learning early on in their journalistic careers to be either critical or congratulatory of administration, faculty, or others, as is appropriate under the given circumstances is vital in a young reporter’s career as they transition from serving a campus to town or city.
5064 would solidify student’s First Amendment by allowing them an uninhibited voice through their respective media outlet.