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

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Ask, do not assume, to build trust between students and administrators

by Lindsay Coppens, The Harbinger Adviser Algonquin Regional High School, Northborough, Mass. Building trust between student editors and school administrators goes a long way toward having a good year and a publication where students are empowered.  Yes, part of scholastic journalists’ role is to question those in power and the decisions they make, and it’s…

Journalism and activism: Is there still a line that separates them?

(WARNING: I buried the lead…at least for some of you.) by Candace Bowen, MJE Following the 2018 March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C. and less than two months after the Parkland shootings, CNN’s “Reliable Sources” host Brian Stelter asked one of the school newspaper’s editors if she saw “a difference right now between journalism and…

Conversations at the Schoolhouse Gate Podcast: Real benefits without review

The latest episode of the SPRC podcast Conversations at the Schoolhouse Gate is posted. Episode 6: Real benefits without review and restraintinterview with Archer School for Girls administrator Gretchen Warner and student editor Anna Brodsky. Subscribe to the podcast through iTunes or Stitcher or listen directly from this website.  After defining the terms “prior review,” “prior restraint” and…

Be a leader in Year of the Student Journalist

by John Bowen, MJE Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier contributes to people’s inability to trust journalists since much of what today’s society grew up with as journalism appeared in student media. There, journalists often battled censorship, prior review or intimidation.  When that’s what the media carried – incomplete information that conveniently omitted unfavorable details or saw entertainment…

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.