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
Public or independent schools:
Whose expression is protected is complex
School type, court decisions state laws and how student media are established can all have a role by Kristin Taylor If public school student journalists face censorship, they can turn to the First Amendment. Because public schools are funded by the government, school officials are government agents. Private (also known as “independent”) schools are not…
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…
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…
Diversity is a journalistic must
Diversity in cultures , sources and ideas brings stronger coverage Guideline: Student media staffs should reflect the racial, economic, social issue and gender diversity of the schools they represent. Social media post/question: Diversity is important, but how do we accurately represent our school? Are we representing our school’s diversity in our student media? Stance:Coverage and…
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.