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…
Read MoreDespite 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…
Read MoreUpgrade 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…
Read MoreConversations at the Schoolhouse Gate Podcast: Real benefits without review
The latest episode of the SPRC podcast Conversations at the Schoolhouse Gate is posted. Episode 6: Real benefits without review and restraintinterview with Archer School for Girls administrator Gretchen Warner and student editor Anna Brodsky. Subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or Stitcher or listen directly from this website. After defining the terms “prior review,” “prior restraint” and…
Read MoreBe a leader in Year of the Student Journalist
by John Bowen, MJE Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier contributes to people’s inability to trust journalists since much of what today’s society grew up with as journalism appeared in student media. There, journalists often battled censorship, prior review or intimidation. When that’s what the media carried – incomplete information that conveniently omitted unfavorable details or saw entertainment…
Read MoreWriting a guideline: Suggestions for student media mission, legal, ethical and procedural language
Model Staff Manual: Use Constitution Day as a way to compare your staff policies and guidelines — or use it for students to craft their own — to our sample staff manual. Originally presented to the 2019 Adviser Institute in New Orleans, this material provides important models that can be adapted of essential mission, legal,…
Read MoreSeems like you never know until it is too late
by Candace Bowen, MJE Your principal is a good one who answers questions for your news staff and encourages your yearbook staff to tell what really happened this year. Even Twitter and Instagram have not been a problem for your journalism students. Sure, you and your staff share stories with your principal when they cover…
Read MoreWhen ‘trickle down’ goes beyond economics
by Stan Zoller, MJEIn recent history, the idea of “trickledown economics” is something attributed to the late Ronald Reagan, who occupied the White House from 1981 to 1989. However, the roots of a “trickle down” policy allegedly had its roots planted by the late humorist Will Rogers who reportedly referred to the theory that cutting…
Read MoreWhat to tell an administrator who seeks prior review
The Porn-worker and Bear Creek High School by Jan Ewell, MJE The district administration of the Lodi Unified School District demanded prior review of a story the paper was writing about an 18-year old student, estranged from her parents, who was working in the porn industry while finishing her senior year. The adviser, Cathi Duffel, and her…
Read MoreActivities based on media coverage of high school of student working in adult industry
by John Bowen, MJEIn my last blog we discussed the importance of fighting prior review, and noted its use is growing, even in states with state legislation protecting student expression. To emphasize the issue, we highlight recent review attempts with the Bruin Voice of Stockton, California, and related reporting about the student story. You have…
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