§18B-21-2. Legislative findings.

(a) The Legislature finds that:

(1) Freedom of expression through high school, college, and university sponsored media is protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article III, section 7 of the West Virginia Constitution;

(2) A high school, college, and university student press can contribute to the continuing development of informed and civic-minded citizens; and

(3) Instructors and administrators who defend their students’ freedom of expression may sometimes do so at professional risk.

(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to protect freedom of expression in school-sponsored media at public high schools and institutions of higher education in this state, and to protect the instructors and administrators who support that right, in order to encourage students to become educated, informed, and responsible members of society.