JEA stands firmly behind student journalists’ press freedom. Where journalism students delve into the impact of such events as the invasion of the Capitol Jan. 6 and issues stemming from it, they create community engagement and understanding of journalistic responsibility, roles and values. Where the same students make final decisions of content without prior review and restraint, democracy’s ideals flourish and expand. We denounce all efforts to stifle student journalists, and we stand in solidarity with advisers who support them.

Press Rights Quick Links

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Navigating legal challenges: Essential advice for student journalists covering immigration

Mike Hiestand, senior legal counsel from the Student Press Law Center, talks with Diana Day from the Scholastic Press Rights Committee about what young journalists need to know about their legal rights and responsibilities when covering immigration topics. Scholastic journalists across the country are grappling with a number of ethical and logistical challenges when reporting…

America is…

“The one thing that I think is vital — our most important obligation,” Mark Goodman, former Executive Director of the Student Press Law Center and of the Center of Scholastic Journalism at Kent State University, said. “We HAVE to teach students that censorship is wrong, morally, educationally, journalistically, even when it cannot be avoided or…

Is the school board one of your beats? Part 3

Here’s why it should be and how to do it right Part 3 – How students can cover school boards like the pros This three-part blog has it all: an explanation of the need for good coverage of school board issues, the legal and ethical concerns for this reporting, and the writing skills to effectively…

Is the school board one of your beats? Part 2

Here’s why it should be and how to do it right Part 2 – What makes it challenging legally and ethically This three-part blog has it all: an explanation of the need for good coverage of school board issues, the legal and ethical concerns for this reporting, and the writing skills to effectively tell your…

Red Panic Button

Need help with a censorship issue? You found it.

If you are a JEA member or students of a JEA member who need assistance concerning censorship issues, use the panic button below to generate an online form to explain your situation. This will go to a Scholastic Press Rights Committee member who will assist you quickly and notify others in your state so they can offer assistance. This outreach capability is a direct result of JEA’s Adviser Assistance Program and is designed to combat censorship issues advisers and students might face.