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
Follow the latest article in Puyallup censorship
For an interesting and detailed article about the latest information in the ongoing battle against administrative censorship, check out today’s article in the News Tribune. Be sure to read the comments. Students who need end-of-the-year activities might find this an issue worth comment. One of the story’s points deals with the district’s attitude toward prior…
Covering death: an article worth examining
The Kansas City Star ran an article today about how school yearbooks in the area handle death coverage. It is well worth reading – and discussing – before the situation occurs. The article examines the wide range of thought that goes into deciding how, or whether, reporting death is an integral part of scholastic journalism….
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.
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.