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

Prior Review    |    Law-Ethics Manual    |    Key Cases    |    What Are Ethics     |    Tools of Truth

Is the school board one of your beats?

Here’s why it should be and how to do it right Part 1 – Why covering school boards is important 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 audience…

Local media, local strength

By Stan Zoller Back in the 1970s, when newspapers reigned supreme, Time, Inc. considered buying two suburban Chicago weekly chains to create a suburban daily newspaper. A federal anti-trust suit ruled against Time’s effort and the plan was dropped – but not before Time executives started a campaign touting the idea. Part of their efforts…

What is the purpose of your student publication?

Developing student-led mission statements and a culture covering stories that matter can serve both school and local communities. By Tom McHale Many years ago, I was confronted by an angry parent after a long production meeting. She felt her daughter, an editor, spent too much time working on the paper. “This isn’t the New York…

Video series gives crash course in press rights issues

If you’re looking for a quick refresher on press rights issues, a potential class bellringer or something to spark discussions in class, check out this video series created by SPRC member Tripp Robbins. The series, which Robbins created for his MJE project, delves into issues from FERPA to hate speech to covering protests. Robbins worked…

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.