The Latest
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Good student work makes a difference
Student conduct in preparing controversial coverage spurred an attorney to change his mind and say he will work for a bill that protects both student journalists and their schools. Don Austin, of a law firm that currently represents Puyallup, Washington, schools and was their counsel in the recent case involving Jagwire’s coverage of oral sex,…
We must boldly move out of ‘reptilian’ mode
In my studies at the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication back in the mid-1980s and early 1990s, I remember reading a fascinating article by the respected psychologist Daniel Goleman in which he identified a dramatic shift in communication – and he related it specifically to the news media. Goleman argued that in order to…
The Right to Write
The Right to Write crew from Puyallap, Wa., was listed today in the NCTE INBOX news clips. Students Decry Censorship Student journalists in Puyallap, Washington, are fighting for “The Right to Write.” The Olympian, May 24, 2010
It takes a village…and constant vigilance
Television station KOMO recently reported the May 24 Puyallup, Washington, school board meeting where student journalists are trying to reverse the board’s prior review policies. Like the other links posted here in the last couple of days, this one can add to the First Amendment discussion, not only about the issues reported but about the comments…
More lessons on free speech
To read about how one columnist found a school squandered a First Amendment teaching moment, read this article by Leonard Pitts, Jr. in the Miami Herald. As we have seen, schools all too often move to squelch instead of teach. A tip of the hat to Mark Newton for the link.
More end of the year madness
Even though schools teach the First Amendment, allowing students to practice it seems to be another matter entirely. Add this Chicago tribune article to your reading list. Thanks to the SPLC blog and Susan Tantillo for the heads-up.
Follow the latest article in Puyallup censorship
For an interesting and detailed article about the latest information in the ongoing battle against administrative censorship, check out today’s article in the News Tribune. Be sure to read the comments. Students who need end-of-the-year activities might find this an issue worth comment. One of the story’s points deals with the district’s attitude toward prior…
Covering death: an article worth examining
The Kansas City Star ran an article today about how school yearbooks in the area handle death coverage. It is well worth reading – and discussing – before the situation occurs. The article examines the wide range of thought that goes into deciding how, or whether, reporting death is an integral part of scholastic journalism….
Puyallup’s Fight for the Right to Write
by Fern Valentine (Update: See related story.) As many may remember, in 2008, the Puyallup School District, whose publications had been open forums for over 20 years, was sued over an article in the Jagwire, Emerald Ridge High School’s newspaper. The district immediately instituted prior review despite vocal protests at Board Meetings. The district won…
Student adds First Amendment to others in Classroom Voices
Don’t miss a letter from Pam Selman of Stevenson High in Lincolnshire, Illinois, and formerly editor of the Statesman there before resigning over the school’s ongoing censorship of student media. The Tribune has started a letters section called “Classroom Voices,” and Selman’s comments are important reading and fodder for end-of-the-year discussion and future planning.
Going online? Think about these issues first
Weighing benefits and negatives of legal and ethical considerations before creating an online presence is an important part of expanding student media’s outreach. For relevant questions to ask before you jump in, go to JEA Digital Media’s site.
Guidelines, recommendations for advisers facing prior review
At the spring Portland JEA/NSPA convention, JEA’s board passed a definition of prior review and prior restraint. The SPLC also recently endorsed the statement. At the time, the Press Right Commission was directed to design a recommended process and guidelines on how advisers might handle prior review if faced with it. Below you will fine those…