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
Two articles relevant to importance of journalism
Two recent articles can add some substance to the importance of journalism. One, a guest blog in Education Week by Meira Levinson, an assistant professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, is a call for schools doing more to promote civil dialogue through teaching more meaningful civics. Journalism in its varied scholastic forms can…
An essay of journalism’s future worth noting
For an interesting discussion of and links to the future of journalism, check out this article by Michael Bugeja, director of the Journalism School at Iowa State University. The issue and links involved all are part of a discussion journalists should have about saving – and growing – journalism programs, including the parts of journalism…
ASNE-Reynolds summer opportunities available
Journalism teachers and advisers looking for a way to revitalize their media experience or add to their journalism background have a unique opportunity this summer at one of five fully-paid university programs. The two-week Reynolds High School Journalism Institute, offered through the American Society of News Editors high school journalism initiative, is funded by Donald…
Applications open for 45words, student free speech advocate group
About a year ago, the JEA Scholastic Press Rights Commission created Student Partners, a group of students to lead efforts in supporting free speech and raising awareness about First Amendment issues. We had a great year working with eight passionate and dedicated students, and now it’s time to select the next round of partners to…
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.