Press Rights
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
How do we assist teachers about
understanding the First Amendment?
The Knight Foundation’s recently released 2016 study of student and teacher beliefs, Future of the First Amendment, reported teacher responses that raise First Amendment concerns. Teacher results showed: • When asked if high school students should be allowed to report on controversial issues in their student newspapers without the approval of school authorities, 66 percent of students…
Knight study shows hope, raises issues
The 2016 Knight Foundation’s study of student and teacher beliefs, Future of the First Amendment, has some good news about student beliefs but is equally troubling about what teachers think. The study showed that 91 percent of students agree people “should be able to express unpopular opinions” compared with 83 percent in 2004. Results also…
Teachable moments in journalism
As we discuss fake and alternate news and work them into our classroom and newsroom activities, we should also look at journalists’ social responsibilities to their communities. Take, for example, this lead sequence from a New York Times article: Warm welcome for Syrians in a country about to ban them CHICAGO — On Friday…
More resources for
alternative facts, fake news
With the events surrounding Inauguration Day comes a new journalistic concept, alternative facts. As we teach our students to be aware of fake news and now alternate facts, check out some additional resources that might lead to lessons and activities that rebuild trust in journalists – and journalism. • Kellyanne Conway says Donald Trump’s team has ‘alternative…
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.