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
Handout: Foundations of journalism: Policy, procedure, guideline
Names:____________________________________________________________________ Topic: _____________________________________________________________________ Part 1: Legal Considerations: Ethical Considerations: Terms to define (include definitions): Precedent(s) if applicable: Proposed wording: Part 2: Look at the wording of the procedure or guideline. Highlight any red flag words or phrases. Circle any unclear information. Box any other problems. Is this a procedure or…
Video dubs
Ethical guidelines Although a common event in some schools, video dubs need to be handled with legal and ethical care. It is essential, if the product is to go on the web, it is essential to follow all copyright requirements. Student media set a strong model for others to follow, so it is incumbent on…
User-generated content
Ethical guidelines Journalists should treat user-generated content the same as any content they create in terms of accuracy, verification, credibility, reliability and usability. Given its growing use by various forms of media, student journalists should develop guidelines on how, when and why it should be used. Staff manual process Student journalists should establish a plan…
Recording interviews
Ethical guidelines While it is often a good idea to record interviews for accuracy and multi-platform use, follow legal and ethical guidelines for your state. Staff manual process Student journalists should check the guidelines on recording sources for their state then develop consistent procedures to follow these guidelines. Suggestions Resources Reporters Committee apps, Reporters Committee…
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.