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Join us at #nhsjc in DC

The Scholastic Press Rights Committee is leading a number of sessions at the JEA/NSPA Fall National High School Journalism Convention, scheduled for Nov. 21-24 in Washington, D.C. Here’s a list you can take with you to the Marriott Wardman Park. We hope to see you at one or all of them. Open forum: Discussion of…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Latest podcast of Conversations at the Schoolhouse Gate focuses on hate speech

by Kristin Taylor Tripp Robbins just hosted the latest episode of Conversations at the Schoolhouse Gate (if you have subscribed to it, you already know this!). I recommend checking it out. You can listen directly from your laptop at the podcast website or subscribe via Apple podcasts or Stitcher to download it to your phone. It’s a…

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It’s not rocket science to proactively demonstrate strong quality, integrity, ethics

by Stan Zoller, MJE As historic events surrounding President Donald Trump continue to unfold, it’s possible, if not likely, his ongoing disdain for and ensuing attacks on the media will reach a more feverish pitch than what has been seen so far during his first term. While it’s likely, albeit hopeful, that student journalists will…

Attending a national convention reaps rewards

by Susan McNulty, CJE The Stampede and The Hoofbeat adviser J.W. Mitchell High School, Trinity, Florida On Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, a group of 20 journalism teachers, and advisers met with Kelly Glasscock of the Journalism Education Association and Laura Widmer of the National Scholastic Press Association at the site of the Fall 2020 JEA/NSPA…

Apply now for 21st annual FAPFA recognition

It’s again time to apply for the First Amendment Press Freedom Award. You can access the form here. All first round applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Dec. 15. In its 21st year, the recognition is designed to identify and recognize high schools that actively support and protect First Amendment rights of their students and…

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