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.
Press Rights Quick Links
Prior Review | Law-Ethics Manual | Key Cases | What Are Ethics | Tools of Truth
Puyallup’s Fight for the Right to Write
by Fern Valentine (Update: See related story.) As many may remember, in 2008, the Puyallup School District, whose publications had been open forums for over 20 years, was sued over an article in the Jagwire, Emerald Ridge High School’s newspaper. The district immediately instituted prior review despite vocal protests at Board Meetings. The district won…
Student adds First Amendment to others in Classroom Voices
Don’t miss a letter from Pam Selman of Stevenson High in Lincolnshire, Illinois, and formerly editor of the Statesman there before resigning over the school’s ongoing censorship of student media. The Tribune has started a letters section called “Classroom Voices,” and Selman’s comments are important reading and fodder for end-of-the-year discussion and future planning.
Going online? Think about these issues first
Weighing benefits and negatives of legal and ethical considerations before creating an online presence is an important part of expanding student media’s outreach. For relevant questions to ask before you jump in, go to JEA Digital Media’s site.
Guidelines, recommendations for advisers facing prior review
At the spring Portland JEA/NSPA convention, JEA’s board passed a definition of prior review and prior restraint. The SPLC also recently endorsed the statement. At the time, the Press Right Commission was directed to design a recommended process and guidelines on how advisers might handle prior review if faced with it. Below you will fine those…
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.