The Latest Archives

So say we all…

#wpfd “Free the press – all of it.” Pass it on.

Stand up, shout out for student journalism

With the 2nd U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in the Doninger case, one thing is certainly clear: If we want to protect student expression rights and responsibilities, we are going to have to be the ones who stand up to do so. SPLC executive director Frank LoMonte said the courts abdicated their responsibility…

A chance to send a unique message about scholastic media and journalism

by Stan Zoller, MJE What do our colleagues at school think of when it comes to journalism? On May 3, World Press Freedom Day, we have the unique opportunity to let them know that scholastic journalists are not just students involved in a school media for fun. They have the distinct privilege of practicing what…

World Press Freedom Day letter includes scholastic media

The Washington Post today published an “open letter” to President Obama and Secretary Clinton today from the Student Press Law Center, JEA and 36 other journalism and free-speech organizations urging them to declare their support for freeing “the other half” of America’s press. Our hope is scholastic media programs will download the letter and develop Action Plans and…

Student bracelets ruled protected speech

Students at Easton, Pa., middle school are now permitted to wear “I [heart] boobies” bracelets to school after a federal judge in Pennsylvania ruled the bracelet wording as protected speech. See more of the story on NPR. http://tinyurl.com/6hxhuhr Once again, courts rule that students do have First Amendment rights.

Freedom for the world’s press must include scholastic media, too

May 3. Washington, D. C. World Press Freedom Day. The first time since UNESCO started the event 18 years ago the United States will host it. And the perfect time to call for its tenets to be extended to scholastic media in a country that promotes freedom – and responsibility – for every other nation’s…

Overland situation settled – for now – although questions remain

According to both the Denver Post and the Student Press Law Center, the Overland Scout will retain its adviser and lose prior review – for the remainder of this year’s issues. Unsettled, however, is what happens next year, both to the Scout and to the adviser. “School and district officials maintain that the situation was…

Professional allies against censorship

Those looking for allies in their fight against censorship should consider professional organizations. Check out support the Colorado Society of Professional Journalists gave students of the Overland Scout today. The Board of Directors of the Colorado Pro Chapter of SPJ wrote in their letter to the Cherry Creek District Superintendent and Board, “Specific provisions exist…

ACLU challenges schools to remove anti-gay filters on Internet

E-School News posted an article today about the ACLU’s challenges/letters yesterday to schools who use anti-gay filters on school websites. States included Michigan, Kansas and Missouri. Check it out at this URL: http://tinyurl.com/699ye9c

Separating news from views: Does social media need a new player? Part 3

Determining what communities want and need in social media coverage seems to have generated a new media role: community manager. According to information in a March 21, 2011, article by Ben LaMothe, Why Newspapers Need Community Managers on the 10000 words blog, the term may offer a way to brand online news coverage. LaMothe cites the…

Links to information about Overland Scout situation

Those interested in the censorship issue at Overland High in Colorado can follow the events by checking the sites below: NEW LINKS: — As school backpedals, Colorado students still fighting newspaper censorship — Overland high school newspaper threatened with closure to survive after ACLU complaint — Colorado High School newspaper to shut down, principal didn’t like…

Incorporating ethical guidelines into social media use: Part 2

In the first part of this series, Marina Hendricks, a commission member and student in a social role of the media class, talked about how scholastic media might create tools in the growing use of social media. Now, others in the class offer additional comments and suggestions. This piece will suggest guidelines – and hopefully…