Missouri State Teachers Association challenges Facebook law

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - The Missouri State Teachers Association is challenging a controversial social media law in the courts.

The MSTA filed the petition with the Cole County Circuit Court on Friday.

The law prohibits teachers from communicating privately with students on Facebook or through text messages.

The Amy Hestir Student Protection Act is intended to protect students from predatory teachers. But Missouri State Teachers Association spokesperson Todd Fuller says the law is too open to interpretation and bars legitimate educational interaction.

"We’re the throwing the baby out with the bath water here and putting teachers in the position of feeling like they’re guilty before proven innocent on a particular issue with social media, and they’re just trying to use it to reach students," Fuller said.

The MSTA is challenging the law, claiming it infringes on freedom of speech, assembly and religion.

Governor Jay Nixon signed the bill into law in July. It will take effect August 28.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

Posted in: Amy Hestir Student Protection Act,Missouri State Teachers Association,teachers and Facebook,Todd Fuller