Nixon Signs Repeal Of Ridiculous Facebook Restriction

JEFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon signed legislation Friday repealing a contentious law that had limited online chats between teachers and students and caused a judge to warn that it infringed on free-speech rights.

Nixon's action eliminates a law enacted earlier this year that barred teachers from using websites that allow "exclusive access" with students or former pupils age 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. Nixon then added the law's repeal to the agenda for the special session that began in September.

Classy.  Except the jackhole had been all for it until he realized the people would rally to support freedom of speech.  Folding like Superman on laundry day, he came to the right decision by the wrong means, but I guess we'll take our victories however we can.

But the most recent bill they sent to the governor also requires school districts to develop their own policies by March 1 on the use of electronic media between employees and students in order to prevent improper communications.

Nixon said he signed the legislation with some hesitancy. The governor said school districts may find it challenging to develop policies that prevent improper communications without also preventing appropriation online conversations.

Um, they're called parents. It is up to the parents to monitor their children and ensure their safety. While schools certainly have a stake in protecting the children on premises, what happens after hours is not theirs to control. Nowhere is safe, and nobody is above healthy skepticism.  Parents should be aware of what their children and doing and who they are doing it with.  "It's so hard to do that" is a valid statement, but it doesn't lessen their responsibility.  Or am I missing something?  Their cell phone usage, social activity and electronic behavior are not the responsibility of the school system once they are out of school.  Nor is it up to Jay "Big Brother" Nixon, who would violate all of our rights to privacy if we allowed.  It might be hard, it might be a fight for some parents, but it is their duty nonetheless.