STATE OF ARIZONA

DOUGLAS A. DUCEY OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE OFFICE
GOVERNOR

May 22, 2017

The Honorable Michele Reagan

Secretary of State

1700 w. Washington, Floor

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Re: Senate Bill 1384 (school-sponsored media; student journalists)
Dear Secretary Reagan:

Today, I vetoed Senate Bill 1384.

I am a strong supporter of free speech and a free press. The First Amendment is vital to our
American system of democracy, and I have a record of supporting legislation to protect these
constitutional rights and opposing those that erode them.

I also believe student journalists play an important role, in part because they are the next
generation of ournalists who will hold our government and leaders accountable.

I worry, however, that this bill could create unintended consequences, eSpecially on high school
campuses where adult supervision and mentoring is most important.

l?lcerelyD

  
 

 

 

Duglas. Ducey
Governor
State of Arizona

cc: The Honorable Steve Yarbrough
The Honorable JD Mesnard
The Honorable Kimberly Yee

1700 WEST WASHINGTON STREET, PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85007
602542-4331