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.
Constitution Day is Sept. 17
2025 Theme: Power to the People
The Scholastic Press Rights Committee has put together a set of activities and materials around the 2025 theme "Power to the People" for teachers to use in their classrooms this Constitution Day, Sept. 17. They range from full lesson plans to quick activities and ways to promote Constitution Day in your school community.
Press Rights Quick Links
Prior Review | Law-Ethics Manual | Key Cases | What Are Ethics | Tools of Truth
Determine content ownership ahead of time: FSW
Recent discussions on the Journalism Education Association listserv focused on who owns the copyright of content produced for student media This group of links and other material should offer informed choices to advisers and students . Back to school checklist: Who owns what? Who owns the copyright to work created by a student journalist? It’s a…
Free speech?
Protests and the national anthem: FSW lesson
Title Analyzing and creating meaningful discussion about free speech issues over protests during the national anthem Description Discussion on whether refusing to stand during the national anthem is an acceptable and effective form of protest have grown in recent months. This lesson enables students an opportunity to research and clarify their views as they share them…
Facing takedown demands: Free Speech Week
A recent article by the Poynter Institute’s Rick Edmonds brings to light free speech choices journalists sometimes have to make. At issue are Takedown Demands. Scholastic media are not – and will not be – exempt from challenges raised by them. Free Speech Week is a good time to check out the topic and formalize…
In plain view from public places: Photojournalists and free speech
What can and cannot be photographed continues to fall under question, bringing attention to photojournalists and igniting important First Amendment conversations. As part of other Free Speech Week lessons and activities, teachers may use this opportunity to incorporate key readings and discussion geared toward visual storytellers. For starters, journalism students paying attention to current events likely caught…
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.