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
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…
New research shows administrators know more about the First Amendment
but don’t fully grasp it
A researcher at Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio, surveyed public high school administrators about their First Amendment knowledge this fall and discovered that administrators may, in fact, know more than they think about the First Amendment. However, Audrey Wagstaff Cunningham, assistant professor, said when tested on their knowledge of specific attributes, the majority did not…
And the children shall lead them: Student journalists make a difference
by Jane Blystone Scholastic journalists often make a difference in their school and community by publishing story packages that are live issues in their locale. However, when students choose not to publish something, they still a make a difference in their school, community and in the public media. By majority vote of the editorial board…
Students say they will follow editorial policy
not use ‘Redskins’ in coverage
Two articles worth noting on the Neshaminy, PA, controversy over mandated use of “Redskins” in student media, as students and their lawyers say they are willing to risk a court fight to not use the mascot’s name. • An editorial from Bucks County Courier Times • A news story in philly.com Earlier, a USA Today…
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.