(This article comes courtesy of MissouriNet.)
A new Missouri proposal could soon change how schools handle student surveys.
Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold, told Missourinet that she introduced the bill after an incident at a Missouri school raised concerns about how surveys were being conducted.
“There was a situation where the yearbook staff with their moderator decided to send out questions to all of the student body about where they had sex on property,” said Coleman. “And this is a real clear violation of this is not something that is activity that should happen at school.”
Coleman told Missourinet that her bill would simply enforce existing federal rules—arguing it’s already illegal for districts to request private information from students.
“The problem is that there isn’t any teeth to that statute right now,” said Coleman. “And so, this is saying, you know what, if this information is gathered from a student, then we’re creating a per occurrence fine of $500 if it was done negligently and $2,000 if it’s done intentionally.”
The bill received its first Senate committee hearing this week, and it would require any state‑funded school—including charters—to give parents 24‑hours’ notice, share the full survey in advance, and get written consent when questions involve topics protected under the federal Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment.
Below is a link to the bill.
https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=438
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