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
Finding pieces of the puzzle
that is scholastic media
Looking for the pieces to the journalistic puzzle a new year of student media will bring? Here are some pieces that might help: • Use of the Panic Button can help with legal or ethical issues. • Constitution Day materials available around the first of September. Congress mandated schools must provide lessons and activities on…
Building journalistic foundations:
Adviser’s Institute session materials
No matter what platform you use, the choice of an editorial policy, ethical guidelines and staff manual can make or break your student media – and consistency is very important. What you select, and why, does make a difference. Along with the newest in digital tools and storyforms, training for a new year and new…
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…
Curriculum to help students formulate
policies, guidelines and procedures
Lesson Title Ethical guidelines and procedure statements: Creating the foundation Description In this lesson, students will analyze current policies and write guidelines and procedures. Students will then analyze the others’ classwork and provide feedback. Students will be able to rewrite their contribution after the feedback is given. Students will also audit the publication’s diversity. Objectives…
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.