MADISON, Wis. (AP) —
Wisconsin activists are pushing for legislation that would enhance
free-speech protections for high school and college media.
The effort comes two years after a controversy at Fond du Lac High School, where student
reporters published an article delving into sexual assault. Worried
administrators responded with a policy enabling censorship, launching
the magazine into a national debate over free speech in school-sponsored
media.
Though school officials ultimately backed down, the
magazine’s adviser, Matthew Smith, is part of a push for legislation to
protect student speech statewide.
The New Voices campaign is in
early stages in Wisconsin, and Smith is looking for legislators to sign
on. Nationally, the campaign has been gaining traction following
legislation North Dakota passed last year. Four states have introduced
similar bills, and activists hope others will soon.
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