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.

More on Constitution Day 2025

Press Rights Quick Links

Prior Review    |    Law-Ethics Manual    |    Key Cases    |    What Are Ethics     |    Tools of Truth

Insights

Back to school with JEA SPRC

As the new academic year begins, the JEA Scholastic Press Rights Committee extends an enthusiastic welcome back to student media advisers across the country. Your commitment to fostering responsible, ethical and courageous student journalism continues to be the cornerstone of scholastic press freedom. The 2024–2025 school year was marked by remarkable achievements and thoughtful challenges….

The Latest

Achieving ethical fitness is key journalistic tool

Evaluating ethical fitness’ red, green light approaches To be a journalist, ethics must be a part of you — not a page in a book or framed parchment on a wall.” (–Gerald M. Sass, The Freedom Forum) Because it is part of you, you need to maintain a certain level of ethical fitness. Our schools…

Insights

Now more than ever

‘The Elements of Journalism’ for student media “Now more than ever….”  It’s a song title, a well-known speech to military troops, a documentary about the band Chicago, and a phrase used by those who want to emphasize the importance of something happening RIGHT NOW. And there’s certainly plenty going on in the world, in our…

Insights

Which States May Pass New Voices in 2025

Pennsylvania is making significant strides in its pursuit of New Voices legislation. It joins five other states with active bills in their state legislatures. As states gear up for their legislative sessions, a handful of New Voices teams have introduced (or reintroduced) bills to protect student journalists’ free speech rights.  Eighteen states have passed New…

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Red Panic Button

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.