Insights

Help administrators know what N.V. (New Voices Law) means

by Stan Zoller, MJE When you see the letters “N.V.” in the context of scholastic journalism, you hopefully realize they refer to “New Voices” legislation that 14 states have passed so scholastic journalists can practice free and responsible journalism without concerns. Or dare I say, fear of prior review, prior restraint or censorship. Unfortunately, there…

Insights

Interviewing minors about sensitive topics proves controversial

by Susan McNulty, CJE The Stampede and The Hoofbeat adviser J.W. Mitchell High School, Trinity, Florida In 2017, my journalism students included coverage in the yearbook about online harassment. They interviewed two students and quoted them by name. The next year, editors wrote and included a story about anorexia, this time using anonymous sources. In…

Insights

Podcast: Importance of passing New Voices legislation

by Kristin Taylor, CJE We hope you will check out and share the latest episode of the SPRC podcast Conversations at the Schoolhouse Gate. I’ve pasted the episode notes below. Please subscribe, rate and review! It makes a huge difference to getting the podcast out there. In case you aren’t subscribed on iTunes/Apple podcasts or…

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Making a Difference stories

The story dispelled rumors, confirmed facts by Hillary deVoss A teacher’s death can send shockwaves throughout a school community, leading to panic, confusion and rumors. To student journalists at duPont Manual High School in Louisville, Ky., a beloved teacher’s unexpected death was a call for them to respond to a crisis – and do so…

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Lessons from Northwestern U’s student edit open learning paths

by Candace Bowen, MJE Student journalism – at least at the collegiate level – hit the news big time last week and received plenty of criticism — both for what was covered and for an apology for covering the story. However, as the newspaper’s editor said in a tweet later, “Our statement addressed some legitimate…

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Despite state legislation protecting student media, students face constraints, including required changes in content

by Stan Zoller, MJE Imagine this scenario. You’re at an airport when you are approached by a security guard who, after noticing your press credentials, staff T-shirt or other items that identifies you as a journalist, says, “You write propaganda, right?” And you are allowed to pass only after you agree. Farfetched? It may seem…

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Kirkwood High School journalist stories make an impact

Observations lead to this ‘Making a Difference’ recognition by Hillary DeVoss Sometimes, student journalists write a story so impactful it captures the attention of an entire city. That was certainly the case when Kirkwood Call student editors Thomas Birmingham, Logan Crews and Jack Rintoul acted on their observations, as well as those from other students at Kirkwood…

Insights

Journalistic responsibility goes hand-in-hand with news literacy

by John Bowen, MJE, Kent State University Looking at Facebook over the weekend, I noticed two posts in particular. Both dealt with issues concerning science. Both raised questions involving news literacy and journalistic responsibility. Both received a good number of comments, from all viewpoints. One, a meme, focused on listening to those with whom you disagree….

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Is it time to review staff policies on covering whistleblowers, using anonymous sources?

by Susan McNulty, CJE The Stampede and The Hoofbeat adviser J.W. Mitchell High School, Trinity, Florida On July 25, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky talked by phone, and this call set off what is now an impeachment investigation into the U.S president by Congress. An anonymous whistleblower filed a complaint with…

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Shared anecdotes can help New Voices legislation

by Candace Bowen, MJE Just how bad is the censorship that goes on in today’s student media? Could it be, as one administrator said – and perhaps more have thought – advisers just making mountains out of mole hills? And what about self-censorship? One principal said, with perfect confidence, “How can you blame us if…

Insights

We must trust students’ final decisions of content and not take final approval away from them

As advisers we must advise. We question, we discuss, we coach, we cheer. We draw from our experiences and perspectives to shed light on viewpoints young journalists may not have considered. We establish protocols based on best practices, but we also must trust. by Lindsay Coppens – The Harbinger AdviserAlgonquin Regional High School, Northborough, Mass. Do…

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Upgrade in Virginia student publication policy downgrades student free expression

by John Bowen, MJE High school journalists in Virginia’s Frederick County recently had their student publications policies upgraded by the school board, the Student Press Law Center reported. Student journalists say they don’t think much of the changes. “The newspaper was already censored multiple times last year, and the staff has dwindled from about 30 students a year…