National Education Association to meet with senator over social networking law

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri chapter of the National Education Association will get a chance to talk with a representative for state Sen. Jane Cunningham seeking clarification of the controversial "Facebook Law."

Missouri NEA President Chris Guinther says his organization will host a conference call Tuesday morning with Cunningham's chief of staff, Kit Crancer. Guinther said they want to discuss the possibilities of fixing the law during the special legislative session.

Legislation limiting electronic communication between teachers and students was part of a larger bill that, among other things, sought to protect students from teachers that commit sexual assault. Guinther believes language can be worked out to clarify the intent of the electronic communication portion of the bill without need for a lawsuit.

Late last week, the Missouri State Teachers Association filed a lawsuit in Cole County Circuit Court against the legislation.

"Trying to fix this problem with a long drawn out court battle that costs the state a lot of money doesn't make sense to us, especially when the bill sponsor is willing to work on a timely solution," said Guinther in a statement announcing the conference call. "We'd rather have that money spent on educating kids. It seems like a waste of state resources."