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

Insights

Changes to traditional news access create potential barriers at all levels of reporting

A move by the leadership in the Iowa state senate to prohibit journalists from working on the floor has implications far beyond the Des Moines statehouse. Student journalists, whether at the collegiate or scholastic level, need to keep an eye open for similar moves. According to a report in the Cedar Rapids Gazette: “…Republican leaders in…

Insights

Creating inquiring minds or censoring them? Book banning, racism and gender politics

A divided nation faces book and curriculum censorship, plus moves to prohibit discussion of anti-racist ideas in schools Can you teach controversial books in your class? I always warn my students how dangerous question leads are and how a wrong answer can scare a reader away. But the question you just read is now my…

Insights

Journalism teachers: Start 2022 with a scholastic press rights refresh

The first few weeks of a new semester provide an important reset or blank slate. After a challenging fall for advisers, your goal may be to revisit scholastic press rights topics and do more with law and ethics training, especially if the past few months of reteaching and rebuilding called for massive shifts in your…

Insights

New Jersey becomes 15th New Voices state

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed into law S108, making New Jersey the 15th state to adopt New Voices legislation restoring and protecting student press freedom. The Student Press Law Center, the Garden State Scholastic Press Association and the Journalism Education Association commend the New Jersey legislature and Governor Murphy for their unanimous support…

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Red Panic Button

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.