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
Constitution Day quiz competition
Title Constitution Day Quiz Competition Description Have students compete (either individually or in groups) to demonstrate knowledge about the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights Objectives • Students will demonstrate knowledge of the history and content of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. • Students will assess their own level of familiarity with the Constitution…
Student Expression Rights (What are they, exactly?)
Title Student Expression Rights (What are they, exactly?) Description Students zero in on how the First Amendment protections apply to student speech, especially when it comes to walkouts, dress and publication related to protest. Objectives Students will understand how the First Amendment was applied to students taking part in walkout protests in 2018….
Letter to editor
Write a Constitution Day Letter to the Editor Use this assignment to have your students engage with your local newspaper to share their free expression experiences as a student in your school or community. Objectives Students will explore the rights of the First Amendment and discern how it impacts their lives. Students will engage in…
Ways to celebrate Constitution Day 2018
The Scholastic Press Rights Committee is again excited to provide lesson plans and activities to help you celebrate Constitution Day and the First Amendment. Constitution Day recognized Sept. 17 each year, and we have a trove of new and archived lessons and activities to help you raise awareness of the First Amendment’s rights and applications…
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.