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 Changing Internet: Why you should talk Net Neutrality with your students
By Megan Fromm, CJE Between deadlines, snow days and standardized testing, we all know there isn’t much time for “extra.” Those extra lessons you wish you had time to teach, those extra teachable moments you wish you had time to organize. But this week, carve out 20 extra minutes to sit with your students and…
Be proud of each trip you take to publish student media
by Stan Zoller Several years ago I was having a conversation with my neighbor, also a teacher. Our conversation covered the usual teacher stuff – students, administrators, curriculum, union contracts – and course loads. It was while we discussing the classes we taught, he pronounced that “well, anyone can teach journalism.” So much for good…
Handle yearbook copyright issues
before you find the book for sale online
by John Bowen Because advisers raised this issue on JEA’s listserv before Christmas break, we thought now would be the perfect time to address the issue. Students and advisers unhappy with various groups who buy and sell school yearbooks online, with no funds going to the student media, have several steps to consider if they…
Three story ideas worthy of student media exploration
Looking for stories that enable your students to make a significant difference? Here are three possibilities for localization and expansion: • Should schools monitor students’ social media sites http://www.eschoolnews.com/2013/12/23/schools-monitor-media-400/2/ This article raises the issue whether software can or should be expected to determine if students’ postings can be considered cyberbullying. The article seems to raise…
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.