JEA stands firmly behind student journalists’ press freedom. Where journalism students delve into the impact of such events as the invasion of the Capitol Jan. 6 and issues stemming from it, they create community engagement and understanding of journalistic responsibility, roles and values. Where the same students make final decisions of content without prior review and restraint, democracy’s ideals flourish and expand. We denounce all efforts to stifle student journalists, and we stand in solidarity with advisers who support them.

Constitution Day is Sept. 17

2025 Theme: Power to the People

The Scholastic Press Rights Committee has put together a set of activities and materials around the 2025 theme "Power to the People" for teachers to use in their classrooms this Constitution Day, Sept. 17. They range from full lesson plans to quick activities and ways to promote Constitution Day in your school community.

Press Rights Quick Links

Prior Review    |    Law-Ethics Manual    |    Key Cases    |    What Are Ethics     |    Tools of Truth

Are all upgrades justified? 

1923-2026 Are all upgrades justified?  In 1923, a high school journalism student worked on a story about a gasoline engine, a complex and difficult assignment to understand. “The good reporter was indefatigable,” wrote Leo A. Borah, assistant professor of journalism, in his book, “News Writing for High Schools.” The student had interviewed the inventor to…

When confiscation enters the conversation

No settlement can eclipse First Amendment rights Has this ever happened to you? You’re quietly grading after school when your department chair, or worse, the principal gently taps on your door with that “do you have a minute” request. That request, it turns out, is to discuss something that was in your recent school media….

Generative AI complicates copyright issues

At the ATPI Winter Conference, I watched a presenter display an AI-generated caricature of a newly named award winner as one heartfelt way the presenter tried to honor the recipient’s legacy. The image was similar to those that went viral among journalism teachers and others on Facebook. Unexpectedly, a chorus of boos erupted from the…

Press under pressure requires resilience in action

The theme for JEA’s Scholastic Journalism Week Feb. 23 – 27, 2026 is “Press Under Pressure.” How does student media react when those with more power – administrators and even community members – apply pressure to restrict and control what students feel is important to publish? The fourth day of the week is SPLC’s Student…

Red Panic Button

Need help with a censorship issue? You found it.

If you are a JEA member or students of a JEA member who need assistance concerning censorship issues, use the panic button below to generate an online form to explain your situation. This will go to a Scholastic Press Rights Committee member who will assist you quickly and notify others in your state so they can offer assistance. This outreach capability is a direct result of JEA’s Adviser Assistance Program and is designed to combat censorship issues advisers and students might face.