or did they want to pass a state law providing more protection for student expression?
Shortly after the ruling, in July 1988, Massachusetts became the first state since California to pass a law strengthening the First Amendment rights of students. This broadly worded law provides that “the right of students to freedom of expression in the public schools of the commonwealth shall not be abridged, provided that such right shall not cause any disruption or disorder within the school.” Kansas, Colorado, Iowa, Arkansas, and, most recently, Oregon have since followed suit and passed so-called anti-Hazelwood laws. Similar legislation has been introduced in more than half the remaining states. In fact, the constitutions of most states have language that supports, to varying degrees, free expression. If you are unsure of what protections exist in your state, check the state and local laws as well as the state constitution.
