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
Stevenson editors quit
Five Stevenson High newspaper editors quit Jan. 19, according to a story at Chicago Breaking News. “I’d rather practice no journalism than journalism that doesn’t follow with my ethics and what I believe in,” ex-editor Pam Selman is quoted. A district spokesman said administrators were disappointed with the decision and defended the school’s efforts to…
How do your students report the Haiti earthquake?
News about the Haiti earthquake dominated the media today, and some scholastic journalists are trying to find ways to report the devastation and loss of life. Questions they should consider include: • How can we localize and show readers relevance? That should be among the first concerns. What is the best way to bring the…
A great day
Yesterday was a great day for scholastic journalism. It was a great day because California Senate Bill 438 passed its Senate Judiciary Committee hearing 5-0 and now goes to Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration. As you probably know, California Educational Code already protects student expression. SB 438 simply clarifies current law (48907) adding “charter schools”…
Five freedoms contest available
Check out the Five Freedoms PSA Contest. Entries must be received by February 19, 2010. To be eligible for the early bird prize of $100, students must submit their entries by February 2, 2010. For more information, visit our Five Freedoms Contest page.
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.