JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A proposed bill in the Missouri House would require Missouri college students to take a class on freedom of speech.

During a House hearing Tuesday, bill sponsor Rep. Dean Dohrman said the bill is needed after confrontations with journalists during protests at the University of Missouri last year.  Students were protesting what some saw as indifference to racial issues on the Columbia campus.

Assistant professor Melissa Click was charged with misdemeanor assault Monday after a run-in with a student photographer and a student videographer during November protests. The confrontation gained national attention.

A spokeswoman for Columbia’s city prosecutor says an attorney for Ms Click entered a plea of not guilty on Click’s behalf Tuesday in municipal court. Click’s arraignment was waived. Another court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 16.

Paul Wagner, director of the Council on Public Higher Education in Missouri, disputed legislative estimates that the bill won’t cost any money. He says adding course requirements will require students to spend more time and money to graduate.