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
Credibility strengthened with
use of sources in opinion pieces
Writers should show they have done research and interviews in opinion pieces just as they do in objective reporting. Doing this provides credibility and authority to their views. It also shows audiences the students are informed on the issue. Each opinion story should show sufficient research which has informed the writer’s viewpoint. Include sources in…
FOIA requests
Data your school district keeps for its own information or to report out to the state or federal government is an important resource for journalists. It can reveal patterns and statistics that belie the school’s reputation for better or for worse. It can help reveal positive or alarming trends in student discipline, achievement, attendance or…
Importance of news literacy
News literacy resources Stance: Informed citizens are a crucial part of a democracy. As both producers and consumers of news, student journalists must understand the principles of news literacy. Social Media Post/Topic: Your students produce news, but are they news literate? Here are some resources to teach them the basics. Reasoning/suggestions: Given the current controversy…
Censorship leads to fake news
Prior-review/censor guideline /policy Journalists often are considered mirrors on society. As such, journalism should reflect the community in which it is produced. In order to also maintain their watchdog function, journalists must also be able to act as candles that illuminate and challenge a community’s values and preconceptions. Monitoring the status quo and the powers that…
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.