Missouri Repeals Teacher-Student Facebook Restrictions

Education Week

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has signed legislation repealing a law that had limited online chats between teachers and students and caused a judge to warn that it infringed free-speech rights.

Gov. Nixon’s action Oct. 21 eliminates a state law enacted earlier this year that barred teachers from using websites that allow “exclusive access” with students or former pupils ages 18 or younger. The law generated an unexpected backlash, with teachers raising concerns they would be barred from using popular social-media sites such as Facebook and Twitter that allow private messages.

A judge temporarily blocked the law shortly before it was to take effect in August, declaring that it “would have a chilling effect” on free-speech rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. Mr. Nixon then added the law’s repeal to the agenda for the special legislative session...