Accessing Pornography on School Property

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Utah students could face expulsion if they access pornography on school property. Republican Representative Bud Bowman of Cedar City says there's no reason why his proposal shouldn't become law:

"The first amendment may protect our rights as citizens to free speech, etcetera. But that, in my opinion, does not extend to pornographic images. I doubt the founding fathers of this country intended for the first amendment to be interpreted in such a way that it allows for our youth to view pornographic material while in school."

During a legislative hearing this morning, Republican Representative Greg Hughes asked whether cell phones are governed by the measure:

"A lot of kids in high schools have cell phones, and a lot of those cell phones have cameras on them. And you might not find these young people accessing websites, but you might find them taking photographs. Could you walk me through a scenario like that?"

Under the bill, which now moves to the full House, cell phones do not apply because they are not school property. However, if a faculty member should send pornographic material to a student, it would be a Class A misdemeanor.

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