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 along with the Nebraska legislation for free expression
Those interested in a bit of real life government in action can follow the introduction of the Nebraska free expression legislation on Twitter at #LB898. Follow along and see what is happening compared to legislation efforts in other states by comparing Nebraska’s bill with those of other states by using the SPLC library. Nebraska’s bill…
Nebraskan free expression bill gets public hearing Tuesday
According to a news flash from the Student Press Law Center , Nebraska Sen. Ken Haar’s student freedom of expression bill, LB 898, will get a public hearing Tuesday. The SPLC reports the proposed bill would prevent schools from restricting speech unless it is defamatory, obscene or otherwise unprotected by the First Amendment. Here is link…
Help us know where open forums, censorship exist
In light of recent censorship situations around the country, especially Stevenson High in Illinois and Timberland High in Missouri, please help the JEA’s Scholastic Press Rights Commission expand its outreach to those facing censorship issues. We also want to celebrate student media operating as open forums for student expression. • If your student media has…
First reactions not always the right one
Upon reading the story John posted above, my first reaction was one of sadness, probably with a dash of anger thrown in. I’m not sure why. I think maybe it was because some students who were practicing journalism at a very high level were going to no longer have that chance. Or maybe my initial…
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.