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
Clickbait QT68
Guideline: Journalists should present relevant information in context so the audience has adequate information on which to base decisions. Context is just as important as factual accuracy and can help readers fully understand an issue and its relevance to their daily lives.
Importance of scale in visual reporting QT67
Guideline: Journalists must be vigilant in ensuring charts and infographics do not inaccurately depict the information nor should it mislead the reader. Be weary of data interpretations from others — especially those who benefit from the results.
Pursuit of accurate information clearly
part of scholastic journalism’s mission
To some administrators, it’s ‘curses, FOIA’ed again’ By Stan Zoller, MJE When a student journalist pursues a story and, as H.L. Hall would say, “digs” for information, most journalism educators would be pleased. And so too, you think, would administrators. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. In fact, it’s becoming more common for school czars…
Understanding FERPA QT66
Guideline: The school publication will follow the Family Educational Rights and PrIvacy Act (FERPA) as defined by the Student Press Law Center. Social media post/question: What information is protected under FERPA? Key Points/Action FERPA does limit the specific information schools can release about students, but it doesn’t restrict schools from releasing information in aggregate or…
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.