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
Welcome back – here’s a look
at what to expect in the coming weeks
As we all head back to school, look for some new content in the next week: • An article focusing who who owns scholastic media content and choices to establish best approach for students • An article discussing points of questions involving yearbook ethics • A first look at a Policy Package to will help staffs decide what they…
Updates on scholastic issues across the nation
Several events in the world of scholastic journalism – and that affects it – occurred recently. Censorship issues have not taken a summer break: • Both good and bad news exist for two publications in NJ. First the good news. John Wodnick, the adviser of the Allendale , NJ newspaper, said. “Thought you should know– the censored…
‘You have the power to IMPROVE the world,
not just change it’ are words worth noting
by Stan Zoller Sometimes it’s difficult to see the forest through the trees. Or perhaps we spend a lot of time preaching to the choir. Take your pick. As journalism educators, we know about the problems we face handling student media. So when someone from “the outside” addresses them, it’s a breath of fresh air….
Current First Amendment issues worth noting
Looking for discussion starters for the end of school? For the latest on three nationally ongoing censorship issues, check out: Fond du Lac, WI • Cardinal Columns: Filthy administrative minds, “dangerous advice” and the persistent kids of Cardinal Columns http://www.first-draft.com/2014/05/cardinal-columns-filthy-administrative-minds-dangerous-advice-and-the-persistent-kids-of-cardinal-co.html • They’re still censoring the Cardinal Columns FYI – now deny seniors a final issues…
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.