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The Source: 'David's Law' Aims To Combat Cyberbullying In Texas

Ryan E. Poppe
/
TPR
Sen. Jose Menendez speaking at the state capitol about his new legislation, Senate Bill 179.

After being mercilessly cyberbullied by his fellow students at Alamo Heights High School, 16-year-old David Molak took his own life on January 4, 2016. 

A district attorney's office investigation into the online harassment of David said there was not enough evidence to file criminal charges.

Senate Bill 179, filed for the current legislative session, would force school districts to take action to stop cyberbullying.

If passed, how would this bill be implemented and enforced? Is there a way to balance anti-harassment rules with First Amendment rights? How will Texas schools be affected by "David's Law"?

Guests: 

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David Martin Davies can be reached at dmdavies@tpr.org and on Twitter at @DavidMartinDavi
Kim Johnson is the producer for Texas Public Radio’s live, call-in show The Source. She is a Trinity University alum with bachelor’s degrees in Communication and Spanish, and a Master of Arts Degree from the School of Journalism at the University of Texas at Austin.