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
In their own words: What students say about their journalism experiences
Testimonials from students involved in scholastic media: • Jenna Spoont: I am a journalist because I can reach out to those around me and inform them about problems in society. In December 2012, I wrote a story called “World Wide Watch” about the dangers of sexting. I researched statistics, interviewed students and national experts and spoke…
One way journalists can make a difference
is by using FOIA to protect right to know
by Stan Zoller One of the interesting things about starting a school year is to find out why students are taking “J-1” – Introduction to Journalism. The answers, to no surprise, run the gamut. • “Because my friend did.” • “Because my parents made me.” • “Because I like to write.” • “Because I’m interested…
Using online legal resources
Part of JEA’s Scholastic Press Rights Commission’s Constitution Day lessons and activity package: by Chris Waugaman Three primary Common Core state standards addressed (see https://www.thecorestandards.org/ELA-Literacy ) • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text…
Reporting sharks in the subway: Evaluating the credibility factor
Part of JEA’s Scholastic Press Rights Commission’s Constitution Day lessons and activity package: 5. Lesson plan: Reporting sharks in the subway: evaluating the credibility factor In this lesson, students will examine several leads on a common topic and evaluate the use of sources, facts and the value of the news itself. Summative evaluation tool: Class…
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.