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
Freedom for the world’s press must include scholastic media, too
May 3. Washington, D. C. World Press Freedom Day. The first time since UNESCO started the event 18 years ago the United States will host it. And the perfect time to call for its tenets to be extended to scholastic media in a country that promotes freedom – and responsibility – for every other nation’s…
Overland situation settled – for now – although questions remain
According to both the Denver Post and the Student Press Law Center, the Overland Scout will retain its adviser and lose prior review – for the remainder of this year’s issues. Unsettled, however, is what happens next year, both to the Scout and to the adviser. “School and district officials maintain that the situation was…
Professional allies against censorship
Those looking for allies in their fight against censorship should consider professional organizations. Check out support the Colorado Society of Professional Journalists gave students of the Overland Scout today. The Board of Directors of the Colorado Pro Chapter of SPJ wrote in their letter to the Cherry Creek District Superintendent and Board, “Specific provisions exist…
ACLU challenges schools to remove anti-gay filters on Internet
E-School News posted an article today about the ACLU’s challenges/letters yesterday to schools who use anti-gay filters on school websites. States included Michigan, Kansas and Missouri. Check it out at this URL: http://tinyurl.com/699ye9c
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.