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

Insights

Is it time to review staff policies on covering whistleblowers, using anonymous sources?

by Susan McNulty, CJE The Stampede and The Hoofbeat adviser J.W. Mitchell High School, Trinity, Florida On July 25, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky talked by phone, and this call set off what is now an impeachment investigation into the U.S president by Congress. An anonymous whistleblower filed a complaint with…

Insights

Shared anecdotes can help New Voices legislation

by Candace Bowen, MJE Just how bad is the censorship that goes on in today’s student media? Could it be, as one administrator said – and perhaps more have thought – advisers just making mountains out of mole hills? And what about self-censorship? One principal said, with perfect confidence, “How can you blame us if…

We must trust students’ final decisions of content and not take final approval away from them

As advisers we must advise. We question, we discuss, we coach, we cheer. We draw from our experiences and perspectives to shed light on viewpoints young journalists may not have considered.  We establish protocols based on best practices, but we also must trust. by Lindsay Coppens – The Harbinger AdviserAlgonquin Regional High School, Northborough, Mass. Do…

Insights

Upgrade in Virginia student publication policy downgrades student free expression

  by John Bowen, MJE High school journalists in Virginia’s Frederick County recently had their student publications policies upgraded by the school board, the Student Press Law Center reported.  Student journalists say they don’t think much of the changes. “The newspaper was already censored multiple times last year, and the staff has dwindled from about 30 students a year…

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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.