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
The Playwickian v. Neshaminy School Board:
What is freedom of the student press
and how does a staff make and defend editorial decisions?
A lesson in freedom
The Playwickian vs. Neshaminy School Board – What is freedom of the student press and how does a staff make and defend editorial decisions? by Cindi Hyatt Description This lesson is intended to promote discussion of what the First Amendment defines as free speech and press. Students need to recognize that the First Amendment is…
How much information is enough for a story? An ethics lesson
How much information is enough for a story? by John Bowen Description Students will explore the following questions: What makes a good headline? What makes a good infographic? What makes a good multimedia package? Is the practice of “All you need to know about X” bad for journalism? In working on those questions, students will…
Online comments:
Allow anyone to post,
or monitor and approve first
An ethics lesson
Considering online comments: Allow anyone to comment to protect the forum or keep comments focused? by John Bowen Description Should online comments be allowed without review? Does doing so protect the forum concept? Students will examine the following questions: • What are the purposes of having comments for online and social media, for news as…
Is print dead? An ethics lesson
Is print dead? by john Bowen Description Can students read the Constitution in its original form (cursive)? What could this mean for paper consumption? The JEA listserv recently had an extended discussion about whether print student media was dead, or at least in its death throes. Students will examine the following questions: • What 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.