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
Recording sources during interviews
Ethical guidelines It may be legal in some states to record sources during an interview without their permission, but ethically, journalists always should ask permission to record an interview. Staff manual process Members of the editorial board should develop a procedure for recording sources. Suggestions Statements may include the following guidelines: • Always ask a…
Treatment of sources
Ethical guidelines Reporters should treat all sources as they would like to be treated: with respect and professionalism. Sources do not have to respond to questions or agree to be interviewed. Helping them to understand their information is essential to the story and will show others the importance and truth of the topic is the…
Diversity of sources
Ethics guidelines Coverage and sources should reflect the school population and its various communities, including a wide range of sources who represent students and staff. Staff manual process Students should take care not only to represent diversity through their sources but also in the content they pursue. Additionally, students should avoid interviewing or photographing friends…
News judgment and news values
Ethical guidelines Student media should consistently and purposefully brainstorm what story ideas might be relevant and valuable to their audience. Students should not ignore those story ideas that might be sensitive or cause offense but instead should consider how to cover these issues in meaningful, sensitive ways. Student media should also recognize while audiences are…
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.