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
Despite prior review approval, paper is confiscated anyway
Censorship unleased its tentacles into northern Indiana recently, when assistant principals confiscated issues already reviewed and approved by the principal. The article, an opinion piece about the resignation of the head football coach, wished “only the best for the coach” but also said the change was needed. The local paper reported the assistant superintendent as…
Asking the right questions
The list of double-meaning words and “phrases to avoid” in student publications is growing by the minute. No doubt these additions and casual definitions shared come from advisers hoping to inform and protect. Nobody wants to see an adviser pulled in by the principal, harassed with parent phone calls or accused of being anything less…
Censorship stories: Student newspaper-administrator quarrels ultimately end in student resignation
By Jimmy Hibsch, Rolling Meadows High School For the past year the Stevenson High School Statesman staff has not only been reporting the news, but it has also been making it. Last January, when former Features Editor Eunice Ro published an article about “hooking up,” administrators responded with harsh criticism. The article discussed the demise…
175 years later, still lessons to learn
I love that my mom and dad still send me actual clippings from our local newspapers when they think something will appeal to me. I also love that Mom, at age 76, has now made the leap to digital media and sends me links as well. The link she sent me Thursday from The Columbia…

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.