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
Noteworthy information 5
As we start the year, we sometimes need to find or in some cases, revisit, roadmaps. Two such roadmaps come to mind. One involves stating or clarifying your mission. For an excellent exercise, and ongoing discussion about what this mission can entail, look at the Center for Scholastic Journalism blog today, and in the next…
Noteworthy information 4
For a lighter way to emphasize a serious topic – attribution and news credibility – check out Warning Labels by Tom Scott. Scott lists himself as a “geek comedian” but his warning labels speak eloquently to a serious issue: how to get journalism students – and even more importantly – their audiences to recognize sloppy and inadequate…
Noteworthy information 3
Because scholastic journalism programs face tough times in the classroom and as viable activities because of financial and curricular crunches, it’s always good to have statements about the value of scholastic media ready for use. Here are three that could come in handy: • An NCTE Position Statement on the importance of journalism courses in…
Noteworthy information, part 2
Is it coincidence that two brothers who are superintendents, one in Montana and one in Washington, are involved in student expression issues? Alex Apostle of Missoula, Montana, schools, is the older brother of Tony Apostle of Puyallup schools, Washington. Maybe the two should talk about Tony’s ways to support scholastic journalism. Part 3 coming tomorrow.
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.