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
Tweet11: Approach controversy with confidence, professionalism
Don’t self-censor. Learn how to approach controversial stories with confidence and professionalism. #25HZLWD http://www.jeasprc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/SPRC-Standard-7-controv2.pdf Sometimes, being a student journalist means going head-to-head with others over stories that make people—even those on your staff—uncomfortable. Often, students are incredibly thoughtful and sensitive toward what stories might create tension or even generate real scrutiny of a person or…
Hazelwood made some better teachers, journalists; others suffered from fear
by Nancy Hastings Hazelwood stories: It’s hard to believe that it’s been 25 years since the Hazelwood decision came in…. it seems like only last week when the phone calls poured in from local media and area high schools asking for my opinions on what this would mean and my help to defend student rights from…
Scholastic journalism enhances critical thinking, exploration and leadership;
Hazelwood promotes none of it
by Bob Button Hazelwood stories: The Supreme Court decision in Hazelwood is arguably the worst blow to scholastic journalism in our lifetime – primarily because it struck a hammer in favor of control and against education in America’s schools. Having grown up in an era when student newspapers were seen as PR tools for the school,…
Tweet9: Establish a network of support
Establish a network of alumni and parents to support you. Create allies for when trouble arises. #25HZLWD http://jeasprc.org/reaching-out-informing-the-community-about-key-principles-of-journalism/ You never know when you could use a friend or two or 10 or more. There are lots of good reasons to have a parent and alumni booster group — they bring food to late work nights,…
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.